Future of the Issue
In international human trafficking hubs like Madagascar and South Africa, putting an end to forced labor, prostitution, and abuse has proved to be difficult. Limited government involvement, police force, border control, and suffering economies can all be put to blame, but how can these issues be resolved?
South Africa
Scores of men and women from all over the globe are willingly brought to South Africa in hopes of making a profit, only to be tricked into forced labor, prostitution, or other types of human trafficking. In order to dissolve the human trafficking problems in South Africa, the South African government has to become more actively involved in stopping and preventing these cases. Presently, the South African laws involving human trafficking are limited and mild in punishment. Certain types of human trafficking charges have a maximum sentence of only three years and some types of human trafficking aren’t even illegal. In addition, some criminals can completely avoid being prosecuted because the trafficking wasn’t “forced”, meaning the victim was most likely tricked into service. The best way to reduce human trafficking and fix these problems is to improve the laws. Banning all types of human trafficking and creating harsher, longer prison sentences will most definitely help to decrease human trafficking related crimes. In addition, prosecuting traffickers in all cases will hopefully help to reduce the amount of people being tricked into slavery. Since many victims are entering the country via airports and surrounding country borders, stronger border protection would benefit South Africa greatly in relation to the human trafficking crisis.
Madagascar
Similar to the issues in South Africa, many Malagasy women are being tricked into leaving their country to work internationally in places such as Lebanon. When working internationally they are often abused, but often have no way of leaving these abusive situations particularly when they have no other way of making money. Much like South Africa, human trafficking in Madagascar commonly happens to men, women, and children in the forms of forced labor and prostitution.
Unlike South Africa, Madagascar’s human trafficking issues are more closely tied to their economic woes. When people are depending on small paychecks to live, they might end up in dangerous situations when trying to make the money they need to survive. With high poverty rates and a declining economy, the human trafficking issues don’t appear to be dissipating. Like South Africa, Madagascar could benefit from strict laws and stronger borders, but they could also benefit greatly from more government involvement, considering that the Malagasy government hasn’t made many attempts to stop human trafficking. In addition, working with Lebanon and convincing them to strengthen their own anti-human trafficking laws and procedures can save many of the Malagasy that are being sent there to be trafficked. Madagascar can also work to improve its economy by utilizing any natural resources they may have or by seeking international aid. While many countries in the world might avoid giving economically aid to Madagascar, it is still a possible solution that would help to improve the Madagascar human trafficking issue immensely. An even more feasible solution would be to invest in the natural resources found in Madagascar, such as oil and natural gas. The Malagasy government has already seen increased revenue in the past three years from its oil, gas, and mining companies, which leaves the impression of a brighter future of trade for Madagascar. More government revenue can lead to more government funding for anti-human trafficking efforts and a better economy, which will increase the overall quality of life for most Malagasy. This will stop people from having to put themselves into dangerous situations that can result in them becoming victims of human trafficking.
Unlike South Africa, Madagascar’s human trafficking issues are more closely tied to their economic woes. When people are depending on small paychecks to live, they might end up in dangerous situations when trying to make the money they need to survive. With high poverty rates and a declining economy, the human trafficking issues don’t appear to be dissipating. Like South Africa, Madagascar could benefit from strict laws and stronger borders, but they could also benefit greatly from more government involvement, considering that the Malagasy government hasn’t made many attempts to stop human trafficking. In addition, working with Lebanon and convincing them to strengthen their own anti-human trafficking laws and procedures can save many of the Malagasy that are being sent there to be trafficked. Madagascar can also work to improve its economy by utilizing any natural resources they may have or by seeking international aid. While many countries in the world might avoid giving economically aid to Madagascar, it is still a possible solution that would help to improve the Madagascar human trafficking issue immensely. An even more feasible solution would be to invest in the natural resources found in Madagascar, such as oil and natural gas. The Malagasy government has already seen increased revenue in the past three years from its oil, gas, and mining companies, which leaves the impression of a brighter future of trade for Madagascar. More government revenue can lead to more government funding for anti-human trafficking efforts and a better economy, which will increase the overall quality of life for most Malagasy. This will stop people from having to put themselves into dangerous situations that can result in them becoming victims of human trafficking.
Utilizing natural resources in Madagascar has proved to be beneficial to the economy. In 2010, oil, gas, and mining companies drastically increase payments, resulting in more government revenue.
Recommendations for South Africa and Madagascar
1.) Improve human trafficking laws
3.) Attempt to increase government revenue and stabilize the economy
- Make it so the criminals can be prosecuted even when trafficking is not “forced”
- More government interference
- Prohibit all types of human trafficking
- Create longer prison sentences and larger fines
3.) Attempt to increase government revenue and stabilize the economy