A regional conference on child trafficking
Trafficking is a global human rights problem which has attracted international attention as it grossly violates human rights. Information available indicates that the heinous practice seems to target young women and children who seem to be the most vulnerable. This practice exposes the victims to highly abusive and exploitative situations which are not only lethal but also amount to degrading human treatment. Further, its dynamic and adaptable nature frustrates efforts invested to curb it.
Various regions in the world are working round the clock to detect, mitigate and curb this highly profitable and organized criminal activity. The African continent is not an exception. Conflict and post conflict situations, gender inequality, poverty and high demand for cheap labour and sex are just but a few of the underlying factors that intensify this vice. There have been concerted efforts within the continent have put up measures and institutions to contribute to the elimination of this vice. For example in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) developed a declaration and a Plan of Action in December 2001. In addition, a Plan of Action was developed in Libreville in December 2007 by the sub regional consultation on the development of strategies to fight trafficking for fighting for exploitative purposes in West and Central Africa.
Southern Africa has put up pro active measures to mitigate instances of trafficking in persons during the 2010 world cup season which will create demand for cheap labour, sex tourism among others. Unfortunately, Eastern Africa seems not to be at par with the other regions in terms of consolidating regional cooperation that would advance the efforts already in place. Traffickers are dynamic and tend to unearth areas with more lenient laws. Therefore, this region is increasingly becoming a new target for traffickers. It is with this background that ANPPCAN Regional Office is organizing a regional conference on child trafficking that will attract participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
The conference endevours to achieve the following; firstly, it seeks to disseminate the findings from the action research on child trafficking conducted in the four study countries; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Secondly, the research findings will be validated in preparation for the final report to be distributed. Lastly, the conference seeks to lobby for policy and legislative changes within the region.
Due to the nature of child trafficking holistic approaches, partnerships and collaborations are required if practical results are to be achieved. Hence the conference targets actors and stakeholders from different fields. To begin with regional bodies like the Africa Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the Inter - Governmental Agency on Development (IGAD) will be represented. Also development agencies whose contribution is vital in such endeavors will also form part of the delegation they will include; International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, and USAID. Finally, stakeholders from the national NGOs and agencies working on child related issues shall be included. The tentative dates given for this conference are 16 and 17 December 2008.