By Ijoo Bosco
South Sudan’s National Task Force on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants is calling for the speedy enactment of an anti-trafficking law to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and ensure offenders are held accountable.
The call comes amid growing concerns that conflict and displacement are leaving vulnerable communities at greater risk of exploitation by traffickers.
UNODC member Moses Bainpai says people forced to flee their homes often lack food, shelter, and protection, making them easy targets for traffickers.
Civil society representatives are also urging authorities to fast-track the Anti-Trafficking Bill 2024, which has been awaiting approval since its introduction.
Zahra Sayed of the South Sudan Network for Democracy and Elections says the proposed law would provide a legal framework for prosecuting traffickers and pursuing the extradition of suspects involved in cross-border trafficking.
She says the absence of a specific anti-trafficking law has complicated efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, including in cases involving children returned to South Sudan.
The national task force, comprising more than 20 national and international institutions, continues to strengthen capacity to prevent trafficking and improve protection for vulnerable communities.