The scourge of human trafficking
Human Trafficking has become one of the most sophisticated crimes of all time, according to analysts. They contend that perpetrators continue to multiply and complicate their elusive skills in the trade in a bid to lure victims and elude investigators. One thing which is however concrete is that with concerted efforts globally, this dreadful Human trafficking, which has brought suffering and inflicted indelible pain on many can be brought to the barest minimum. We hear of devastating stories where some victims have been promised greener pastures, only to arrive in the said European or Middle Eastern countries, and have their passports seized, in some cases sexually exploited, or made to engage in long hours of work only to be paid a pittance. Some victims especially women have returned home, unbalanced as a result of their ordeal. The question is why will these people keep leaving their shores? Some complain of lack of opportunities, especially for the youth. This is a problem clearly at the doorstep of governments and, African leaders for that matter to create opportunities for the youth to stay home and build their countries. The Trafficking in Persons Report 2017 buttresses this point as it reveals that not a single African country is listed on the Tier -One Watch List. Tier- One Watch List means that Countries and Governments have taken concrete steps to FULLY COMPLY with standards to ensure that Human Trafficking is reduced to the barest minimum.
As it stands Ghana including most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are listed on the Tier-Two Watch list of the Trafficking in Persons Report, which indicates that the governments or countries do not comply with standards to fight Human Trafficking, but are making significant efforts towards compliance. Indeed, Ghana needs to work harder at preventing the sexual and Labour exploitation of its nationals, by faceless people but kingpins behind what has become globally accepted as; 'a barbaric violation of human rights.’
So to save our women, men and the next generation all hands must be on deck to combat human trafficking. Africa must rise up to the task and responsibility of reversing the trend of human trafficking. We can do this by providing the platforms for returnees to tell their story, in a bid to deter others who may intend to embark on such ''desperate journeys''. Governments must find realistic and sustainable solutions to youth unemployment and the youth themselves must stay busy, to minimise their vulnerability to Traffickers. It is time for a global commitment at combating what has become known by some Anti-Human Trafficking activists as; ''desperate journeys''. With quotes from the Trafficking of Persons Report; '' Human Trafficking is one of the most tragic human rights issues of our time. It splinters families, distorts global markets, undermines the rule of law, and spurs other transnational criminal activity. It also threatens public safety and national security. But worst of all, the crime robs human beings of their freedom and their dignity.
It is therefore essential that we must all collaborate to pursue an end to the scourge of Human Trafficking.
BY REBECCA EKPE, A JOURNALIST.
As it stands Ghana including most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are listed on the Tier-Two Watch list of the Trafficking in Persons Report, which indicates that the governments or countries do not comply with standards to fight Human Trafficking, but are making significant efforts towards compliance. Indeed, Ghana needs to work harder at preventing the sexual and Labour exploitation of its nationals, by faceless people but kingpins behind what has become globally accepted as; 'a barbaric violation of human rights.’
So to save our women, men and the next generation all hands must be on deck to combat human trafficking. Africa must rise up to the task and responsibility of reversing the trend of human trafficking. We can do this by providing the platforms for returnees to tell their story, in a bid to deter others who may intend to embark on such ''desperate journeys''. Governments must find realistic and sustainable solutions to youth unemployment and the youth themselves must stay busy, to minimise their vulnerability to Traffickers. It is time for a global commitment at combating what has become known by some Anti-Human Trafficking activists as; ''desperate journeys''. With quotes from the Trafficking of Persons Report; '' Human Trafficking is one of the most tragic human rights issues of our time. It splinters families, distorts global markets, undermines the rule of law, and spurs other transnational criminal activity. It also threatens public safety and national security. But worst of all, the crime robs human beings of their freedom and their dignity.
It is therefore essential that we must all collaborate to pursue an end to the scourge of Human Trafficking.
BY REBECCA EKPE, A JOURNALIST.
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