Human Trafficking in the context of the development state

1. Human Trafficking in the context of the development state A presentation by Prof K Kondlo On Behalf Of Dr. Olive Shisana, CEO, HSRC 23 March 2010

2. THE CONTEXT OF A DEVELOPMENTAL STATE • The HSRC has a two year project which looks specifically into the issues of a developmental state in SA • Two issues, related to the context of a developmental state that I will touch on and link to the theme of this conference • The meaning of a developmental state in South Africa • The two dimensions of it and how they relate with the strategies to combat Human trafficking in South Africa

3. Developmental State context • A penetrative state that works through processes of ‘co-operative extraction’ – ‘Collaborative Connections’ (Anthony Giddens) to deliver the best in society and economy – socially embedded • This is different from a state which sits over society – weak enabling powers but strong blocking powers • State institutional capacity – very key

4. Developmental State Context • Two dimensions seem very key to SA’s developmental state project • Social and economic dimensions • Social dimension – enhancing the quality of life of the citizenry through provision of education, health, rural development and other basic services • Economic dimension – maximizing citizen participation in the economy

5. Developmental State • An overarching framework to deal with • Crime, unemployment, poverty, rural-urban disparities, economic growth, social cohesion, a well functioning public service which can deliver public goods • Some of these problems – sources of human trafficking • But the developmental state cannot be everything • The lacking embeddedness of these ideal in the ideas of individuals; transforming the self

6. Human Trafficking: a challenge to all of us Human trafficking … • Preys on the most vulnerable of our people • Exploits the special vulnerabilities of women and children • Worsens the impact of HIV/AIDS on families and society • Feeds income to criminal syndicates and gangs

7. The Project: Research for the National Prosecuting Authority’s • “Programme of Assistance to the South African Government to Prevent, React to Human Trafficking; Provision of Services for Research on Deepened Knowledge and Understanding of Human Trafficking and Provide Assistance to Victims of the Crime” • (NPA04-08/09)

8. Research for this report drew on a cluster of HSRC focus areas: • Poverty and rural development • Urban change, city strategies and migration • Equality, equity and governance • Justice and human rights • State capacity and development • Environment and land use • Infrastructure and service delivery • Tourism (including sex tourism) • South Africa in relation to Africa and the world

9. Our findings highlight the sobering facts: Human trafficking is fed by the most fundamental problems now facing society and government: • Poverty and Inequality • Inadequate job opportunities, combined with poor living conditions, including a lack of basic education and health provision; • Political breakdown and/or economic dislocation • caused by armed conflict, environmental disaster, economic mismanagement, etc. • economic stresses leading to housing and food insecurity, loss of subsistence, and fewer public services • Family breakdown (particularly sickness/death of one or both parents) • HIV/AIDS • often compels remaining family members to send the children away from their homes to work and/or have better opportunities; • ‘Better life’ syndrome – rumours & dreams of a better life elsewhere

10. … and special risks confront women & children: • Vulnerability to the sex/prostitution industry • Gender discrimination in work and social roles • excludes women from other employment or professional advancement. • Traditional practices • arranged marriages, child labour, constricted roles • Reduced educational opportunities • makes women & children more vulnerable to false promises • Lack of legal and political protections • Children may work in areas that make them easy targets for traffickers: • commercial and agricultural work; car guards; taxi related work; street entertaining; vending; begging; criminal & drug-related activity

11. New risks may arise during the FIFA 2010 World Cup • Pull factors for people in poorer communities • People perceive new job/income opportunities at the event and are more vulnerable to the promises of traffickers • Domestic work – higher demand • Prostitution and drugs – higher demand • Parents send their children to the street • to beg for money from tourists • to sell curios, food and paraphernalia • School closures • will increase in the number of unattended children • Heightened opportunities for human trafficking may aggravate HIV/AIDS transmission

12. Findings show that the challenges in combatting human trafficking are the same monumental tasks facing the developmental state: • Reduce poverty and inequality • Improve the health and well-being of all citizens • Improve education - especially for women • Maintain communication between state & society • Build a professional civil service that provides effective service delivery and minimises vulnerability to corruption or collusion • Protect civil freedoms that ensure equality and genuine democracy in developing public policy • Ensure domestic, regional and global peace & stability

13. Thank you.Dr. Olive Shisana, CEOHuman Sciences Research Council+27-21-466-7902oshisana@hsrc.ac.za