UNDERWORLD OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

 There is a world within our normal which some of us are not privy to. This world is characterised by brutality, slavery, abuse, profanity and disregard for humanity. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the visibility of human trafficking such that it is almost impossible to ignore. From an increase in the number of missing persons cases, to the discovery of illegal immigrants being stacked like sardines in trucks all in an effort to smuggle them into countries where they are promised botched job opportunities. 

Signs of how rife human trafficking has turned out to be have become quite evident over the years, more especially when we speak of cases of people who have suddenly disappeared without trace. There have also been cases of newborns being taken from their mothers under suspicious circumstances all in an effort to sell them to potential trafficking rings. Our biggest mistake thus far is taking this threat to life lightly and not giving human trafficking the urgency it deserves. I think more than anything this week the story of the 16-year-old Mozambican minor brought attention to a problem we more often than not sideline or we put in the backburner to deal with some other time. She is potentially not the first nor the last to be suspected to have been allegedly trafficked into a country under the guise of a promised job.

Industry

The human trafficking world is a billion Dollar industry that has enriched the most unsuspecting people. In some countries such as Libya, it is done so casually such that people are allegedly auctioned off in full public view. There are stories all over the world of people who have disappeared without a trace through possible human trafficking schemes, especially women. There have also been numerous documentaries which are aimed at raising awareness of these trafficking rings that could potentially be at your disposal and likely in your face without any realisation. 

What is most creepy and damning about human trafficking is the shocking number of people who are actually part of human trafficking syndicates. According to most studies, these individuals are mostly unsuspecting and some tend to be prominent people in society. Without a doubt human trafficking has become a big money making machine that is run throughout the world, creating an invisible web system that interlinks each country with the other. However, some people do not regard the trafficking of humans as something that could potentially result in dire consequences. With some stating that it was innocently committed, all in a bid to assist those who are being trafficked to potentially lead better lives. This can be seen in cases which include the availability of job opportunities in international countries without a clear process of the securing of that particular employment. 

Human trafficking is bound to persist unnoticed if we continue to be complacent about it. Our justice system needs to formulate tougher laws against this scourge and give such cases the attention and urgency they deserve. To be a victim of human trafficking takes away the dignity of a person and subjects them to unimaginable pain and suffering. 

Need

Most trafficked individuals are exploited either in terms of performing extensive labour or sexually, therefore, there is a need to fight this terrible crime with everything that we have. By doing so we will demonstrate our efforts of making this a better world. We need to impose tougher sentences and focus on strengthening investigation units that deal with human trafficking cases. By neglecting this underworld for much longer we possibly condone it, therefore our priorities need to shift. We have lost way too many brothers and sisters to this invisible enemy such that it is time to retaliate. Those responsible should be brought to book and the chickens should finally come home to roost. 

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