By Bida Elly David
As the World commemorated the International Day against Trafficking in Persons (TIP), the TROIKA countries have noted with grave concern instances of trafficking that continue to occur in South Sudan, including those involving sexual and gender-based violence.
The coalition warned that it will worsen without government intervention.
It said the main incidences of TIP in South Sudan include abductions of women, minors, recruitment, use of child soldiers and child marriage.
Trafficking against commercial sex workers is also a significant issue, with dangerous consequences for victims, the TRIOKA stated in a statement seen by this outlet.
“We call upon the transitional government of South Sudan, and all those in positions of power, to take steps to eradicate the scourge of human trafficking and to meet the minimum standards of prevention and accountability in accordance with international laws,” the statement read in part.
The statement further stated that addressing the issue of trafficking in persons in South Sudan is crucial for upholding global responsibilities and safeguarding human rights.
Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labor and sex.
Since 2003 the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has collected information on about 225,000 victims of trafficking detected worldwide.
Globally, countries are detecting and reporting more victims and are convicting more traffickers. This can be the result of an increased capacity to identify victims or an increased number of trafficked victims.
The International Day against Trafficking in Persons is an event, commemorated every 30th of July, meant to educate people about the dangers of trafficking and how important it is to respect human lives and dignity.