On 10-11 October 2007, members of the Southern African Counter Child Trafficking Alliance (SACCTA) convened for a workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa. The objective of the workshop was to promote dialogue and collaboration among Save the Children organisations in Southern Africa in the area of counter child-trafficking.

In order to outline the activities of Save the Children and its partners in the area of counter child-trafficking, participants recommended a mapping exercise that answered the following questions:

• Are we working on similar issues?
• Are we duplicating our efforts?
• Do we have resources that can be shared?
• Can we develop a cross-border programme?
• How can we work with other actors in the field?

This report has sought to map the counter-trafficking activities that Save the Children is undertaking in Southern Africa on the basis of inputs from the following actors:

• Save the Children Norway in Mozambique
• Save the Children UK in Mozambique
• Save the Children UK in South Africa
• Save the Children Swaziland
• Save the Children Norway in Zambia
• Save the Children Norway in Zimbabwe

From these contributions it is evident that while only a few organisations are working explicitly on the issue of child trafficking (Save the Children Norway in Mozambique, Save the Children Norway in Zambia and Save the Children Swaziland), there are a number of ongoing projects that deal indirectly with the issue of child trafficking. The issue of child migration in particular has received extensive attention.

Migration 

Migration is frequently cited as a factor that puts children at risk of trafficking through their vulnerable immigration status. It is held that children may have migrated with their families or voluntarily on their own, but may end up in foreign countries without any protection, and so become extremely vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Many children are not aware of their rights, they lack information and do not know the legal procedures for traveling abroad, and the risks related to migration. In addition, it is suggested in a number of studies that success stories from those who return, and idealized notions about living abroad encourage risk-taking. Case studies suggest that traffickers may deceive child migrants with false offers and promises of the ‘good life’, and in doing so traffic and exploit them. Hence, the existing literature suggests that migration may enhance the risk of trafficking. As migrant children are at risk of being trafficked, interventions which seek to raise their awareness and provide them with support and assistance have been included in this report.

This site has been divided into different types of counter-child trafficking interventions namely, research, awareness-raising of children and local communities, advocacy, policy change, capacity building of professionals, rescue, assistance and referral. It will conclude with a discussion on existing gaps, overlaps and the potential for further intervention and collaboration.