August 16, 2008
Proposed Human Trafficking Bill Welcomed

EMBARGO: Immediate Release
Date: 16 August 2008
Enquiries: Martin Coltman
Mobile: +27 79717 3619

Doctors For Life International would like to congratulate the Sexual Offences Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority for the Draft Bill submitted to Parliament recently regarding Human Trafficking. The new legislation will enable the effective prosecution of all forms of human trafficking. The proposed Bill echoes evidence that was submitted by Doctors For Life as early as 2000 and although a bit overdue, it is nevertheless most welcome. The proposed legislation will bring South Africa up to date with international protocols designed to eliminate modern day slavery. Perpetrators of human trafficking prey on those members of society who are usually at a disadvantage. The victims are predominantly women and children and the nature of the crime is often gender based for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

Doctors For Life is encouraged by the Thuthuzela (Comfort) Care Centers established by the NPA to assist the victims of gender based violence and abuse. The commitment to establish seven more centers by the end of this year and to hopefully have fifty centers by 2010 is commendable.

However, Doctors For Life is concerned by the call from some quarters for the decriminalization of prostitution. These voices ignore the established scientific facts, that the majority of women and children involved in prostitution are the exploited victims of untenable socio-economic conditions. They are also often subject to violence and intimidation from pimps and so called, “clients”.

The goal of society should not be to organize slavery but to help people get out of it. Research has shown that 89% of prostitutes would leave prostitution if they were offered safe exit strategies and viable economic alternatives. The result of a study done last year showed that 79% of all South Africans are opposed to allowing prostitution.

Doctors For Life suggests that the authorities launch a comprehensive National Public Awareness and Prevention Program as soon as possible. Imparting information through a powerful media campaign should contribute vastly to the combating of trafficking and its related problems. Doctors for Life International represents more than 1500 medical doctors and specialists from South Africa and abroad. DFL has been promoting health care that is safe and efficient for all South Africans since 1991. DFL has commented extensively on these issues and has made submissions to the Constitutional Court and the Law Reform Commission. For more information visit www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com