Salvation Army steps up anti-human trafficking campaign |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Mar 01 2010 |
With the much anticipated FIFA World Cup just under five months away, The Salvation Army has stepped up its anti-human trafficking campaign by launching a 24-hour toll free hotline number, 08000-RESCUE (08000-737283), where victims and members of the public can report all cases of human trafficking.
The toll free number is a joint initiative of The Salvation Army and BE HEARD™ and it was launched today at the South African Human Rights Commission in Johannesburg. BE HEARD™ is an independent disclosure service and is offering their services on a pro-bono basis. The number was launched following a workshop with Government and other independent Organisations.
“This toll free number will create an opportunity for two things: firstly, it will allow people to call for help on all matters relating to human trafficking and secondly it will also serve as a platform for people to offer tip-off information on suspicious circumstances,” said Major Marieke Venter, The Army’s Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries and National Co-ordinator of the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Team.
The Salvation Army has just completed training of the consultants who will man the call centre facility. The consultants will report all human trafficking cases to the Salvation Army while all emergency cases will be referred directly to the South African Police Services. This is the only dedicated anti-human trafficking helpline in South Africa that will offer 24-hour assistance.
“We urge the government to pass legislation on human trafficking so that offenders can be brought to book. We know that the draft bill is being discussed in Parliament so we are adding our voice in support of what other organisations have said.
“We are also engaging in as many conversations as possible with schools and women’s groups so that they are aware of the need to fight human trafficking. We want to do our utmost in fighting human trafficking,” Venter said.
Brian Adams, the founder of BE HEARD™, said he is very excited to be partnering with The Salvation Army in this venture. His organisation provides an anonymous tip-off service and will run The Salvation Army’s toll free helpline.
“We have always wanted to do something like this. We hope that it will be a great success and together we will save a lot of lives,” Adams said.
According to The Salvation Army, of the 2 000 000 people that are trafficked each year, 450 000 are in Africa and are either used for exploitation as prostitutes, forced labour or even for their body organs.
The Salvation Army is opposed to the corrupt abuse of power against another human being that is inherent in trafficking for personal economic gain.
“We therefore have the responsibility, both individually and collectively, to work for the liberation of those who have been enslaved in this manner, and to establish the legal and social mechanisms by which human trafficking can be stopped,” Venter added.
ENDS
The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and has a professional record in rehabilitating and accommodating trafficking trade victims and addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner through its International Social Justice Commission.
Issued by Quo Vadis Communications on behalf of the Salvation Army
QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS AND ITS STAFF MAY NOT BE QUOTED ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY.
Media Contact: Khumbulani Mpofu
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 083-695-2025
E-mail: khumbulani@quo-vadis.co.za
Client Contact: Captain Garth Niemand
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
E-mail: Garth_Niemand@saf.salvationarmy.org
The toll free number is a joint initiative of The Salvation Army and BE HEARD™ and it was launched today at the South African Human Rights Commission in Johannesburg. BE HEARD™ is an independent disclosure service and is offering their services on a pro-bono basis. The number was launched following a workshop with Government and other independent Organisations.
“This toll free number will create an opportunity for two things: firstly, it will allow people to call for help on all matters relating to human trafficking and secondly it will also serve as a platform for people to offer tip-off information on suspicious circumstances,” said Major Marieke Venter, The Army’s Divisional Director for Women’s Ministries and National Co-ordinator of the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Team.
The Salvation Army has just completed training of the consultants who will man the call centre facility. The consultants will report all human trafficking cases to the Salvation Army while all emergency cases will be referred directly to the South African Police Services. This is the only dedicated anti-human trafficking helpline in South Africa that will offer 24-hour assistance.
“We urge the government to pass legislation on human trafficking so that offenders can be brought to book. We know that the draft bill is being discussed in Parliament so we are adding our voice in support of what other organisations have said.
“We are also engaging in as many conversations as possible with schools and women’s groups so that they are aware of the need to fight human trafficking. We want to do our utmost in fighting human trafficking,” Venter said.
Brian Adams, the founder of BE HEARD™, said he is very excited to be partnering with The Salvation Army in this venture. His organisation provides an anonymous tip-off service and will run The Salvation Army’s toll free helpline.
“We have always wanted to do something like this. We hope that it will be a great success and together we will save a lot of lives,” Adams said.
According to The Salvation Army, of the 2 000 000 people that are trafficked each year, 450 000 are in Africa and are either used for exploitation as prostitutes, forced labour or even for their body organs.
The Salvation Army is opposed to the corrupt abuse of power against another human being that is inherent in trafficking for personal economic gain.
“We therefore have the responsibility, both individually and collectively, to work for the liberation of those who have been enslaved in this manner, and to establish the legal and social mechanisms by which human trafficking can be stopped,” Venter added.
ENDS
The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and has a professional record in rehabilitating and accommodating trafficking trade victims and addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner through its International Social Justice Commission.
Issued by Quo Vadis Communications on behalf of the Salvation Army
QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS AND ITS STAFF MAY NOT BE QUOTED ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY.
Media Contact: Khumbulani Mpofu
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 083-695-2025
E-mail: khumbulani@quo-vadis.co.za
Client Contact: Captain Garth Niemand
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
E-mail: Garth_Niemand@saf.salvationarmy.org
Last changed: Mar 01 2010 at 8:03 AM
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