Slavery in the 21st century : an analysis of human trafficking in Southern Africa.

Abstract

Trafficking in human beings if a global phenomenon that has gained increasing international attention in recent years. The trafficking of persons takes place in almost all social, political, cultural, economic and legal contexts. Recently, the phenomenon of human trafficking has been identified as a form of modern slavery, as a threat to human security and also as one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time. Human trafficking is the third largest form of organised crime after arms and drugs. Several factors have been push or pull factors that attract or drive individuals from their countries of origin. As a result of this global epidemic of human trafficking, certain international, regional and national legislative instruments have been enacted that aim at prosecution, protection and preventative measures.