Citation

Maluleke W, Mabaso BT. Child Abuse Res. South Afr. 2017; 18(1): 70-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, South African Professional Society on the Abuse of Children)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The trafficking of children is an organised crime that threatens national security. Various stakeholders have been prompted to respond to this scourge but with minimal success. The trafficking of human beings, particularly children, across international borders is undoubtedly the most significant new facet of organised crime. The objective of this Article is to integrate perceptions of experts within the Criminal Justice System [CJS] (specifically police officials and the public prosecutors) and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on the trafficking of children in South Africa. Fourteen (14) selected participants formed part of the key informant interviews conducted by the researchers. It was found that the problem of child trafficking is moving "from a matter of regional and national concern to one of international debate and possible global persuasion and policy intervention" (Basu & Tzannatos, 2003: 147). The researchers recommend that in crafting policy for modifying this enormous problem of our times, it is imperative to start with a proper theoretical and empirical understanding of the phenomenon. The article provides answers to the questions: What gives rise to child trafficking? What are the consequences of this practice? What intervention systems are or should be in place? The article refers to the large and rapidly growing literature on this subject, focusing mainly on the new literature. This Article also looks at some of the broad policy implications of these new findings, with the objective of contributing to better informed discussion and policy design.

Keywords: Human trafficking

Language: en