Cape Town Establishes Program to Protect Children During World Cup

Officials in Cape Town are setting up a system to handle lost and runaway children during the World Cup. Specifically, the program seeks to protect children from human trafficking, sexual exploitation and substance abuse.

Together with Home Affairs and non-governmental organisations, the department of social development has established a school holiday programme for local children. It has also set up places of safety for children at stadiums and public places as well as interpreters for children who speak foreign languages.

“We have put everything in place – social workers, interpreters and places of safety,” spokesperson for social development MEC in the Western Cape Danny Abrahams said.

Abrahams said they would put “lost children” or “runaways” in places of safety until the World Cup is over. He said they would also work with Home Affairs and International Relations in cases where children are from other countries.

Plan to keep children safe during World Cup
Sowetan
April 8, 2010

Children a Focus of Labor Trafficking Concerns

Human trafficking for sex work and general labor is being cited as a major concern for South Africa in the lead up to the 2010 World Cup. A recent report from the US State Department on human trafficking lauds South Africa for its work preventing sex worker trafficking and prosecuting violators. The reports calls for more focus on protecting laborers, especially children.

The report recommended that the South African government pass and enact the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill and implement the Children's Amendment Act of 2007.

Children must be protected during 2010 - US
Independent Online
June 17, 2009