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Tell U.S. Government to urge South Africa to Pass Human Trafficking Bill Before World Cup
  1. Signatures
    246 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. U.S. Secretary of State (+ 1 other)
      Petitioning
      close
      • U.S. Secretary of State (Hillary Clinton)
      • Consul General Johannesburg (Andrew A. Passen)
  2. Created By
    Sarah Parker
    Los Angeles, CA
About this Petition Petition Letter

The Salvation Army estimates that, of the two million people trafficked every year, around 450,000 are out of Africa. What's more, they estimate that there are over 50,000 child prostitutes in South Africa alone. In just under five months, South Africa will become the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup, and, as with any major international event, human trafficking is sure to increase. Many people will sign on for what they think is a legitimate job and then find themselves trapped in labor or sex trafficking operations.

Despite reports from last July 2009 that a human trafficking draft bill was in Parliament and would be voted on "soon," South Africa has no legislation in place to fight trafficking.

The Parliament is still reviewing the bill and we need to ask U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Andrew A. Passen to use their influence to show South African Parliament that it is imperative this bill be passed before the World Cup takes place in June!

*photo by arclients

Recent Signatures

Urge South African Parliament to Pass Human Trafficking Legislation Before World Cup

Greetings,

Dear Secretary Clinton and Consul General Passen,

The Salvation Army estimates that, of the two million people trafficked every year, around 450,000 are out of Africa. What's more, they estimate that there are over 50,000 child prostitutes in South Africa alone. In just under five months, South Africa will become the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup, and, as with any major international event, human trafficking is sure to increase. Many people will sign on for what they think is a legitimate job and then find themselves trapped in labor or sex trafficking operations.

In response to the trafficking powder keg being firmly packed by the upcoming World Cup, the Salvation Army, together with BE HEARD, has launched a toll-free human trafficking helpline in Johannesburg. While this is definitely a step towards the goal of eradicating slavery in South Africa, there is still no legislation in the country to fight trafficking.

The government is reviewing a draft bill on the issue and we ask you to use your influence to show South African Parliament that it is imperative this bill be passed before the World Cup takes place in June. International eyes are watching not only this historic sports event but they are also trained on South African government and its commitment to protect children, women, and men from being victimized by human traffickers within its borders. Please urge South Africa to become leaders in the modern-day abolitionist movement while they have this amazing platform with which to set an example for all other nations.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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