UN.GIFT – www.ungift.org

Human trafficking is a global problem, so this umbrella organisation was launched in 2007 by, among others, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Its aim is to fight human trafficking.

Walk Free Foundation – www.walkfreefoundation.org

This international organisation wants to “end modern slavery in our generation by mobilising a global activist movement.” They publish an annual survey of slavery in 162 countries.

Molo Songololo – www.molosongololo.com

Molo Songololo is based in the Western Cape and its “aims to advance the rights and protection of children. The organisation provides direct support to children in need of care and protection.” They have researched child trafficking.

The Salvation Army – www.salvationarmy.org.za

This national, Christian organisation is dedicated to “education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objectives beneficial to society.” They have a special focus on trafficking.

The Department of Social Development – www.dsd.gov.za

This Government Department gives social grants and other help to vulnerable people. It is a good place to go for help, as shown in the case of the grandmother looking for her trafficked grandchildren in the ‘Real-life Examples’. There are offices all over the country.

POWA (People opposing Women Abuse) – www.powa.co.za

POWA “engages in advocacy in order to ensure the realisation of women’s rights and thereby improve women’s quality of life”. POWA can give abused women help with counselling, legal help and support in going to court.

SWEAT (Sex Workers education Advocacy Taskforce) – www.sweat.org.za

This organisation aims to decriminalise adult sex work, and help sex workers access their human rights. They say: “The only losers under decriminalisation are those people who were making money and getting other benefits out of exploiting others under a criminalised system.”

Childline – www.childlinesa.org.za

This organisation works “to protect children from all forms of violence and to create a culture of children’s rights”. In one of its programmes, trained counsellors answer a free phone line. Children who need help can call any time of day or night. Here is the number: 080 005 5555

There are many organisations that are involved in the protection of human rights generally in South Africa. Click here to view these organisations’ contact details.