PROJECT: WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A TRAFFICKING OR FORCED LABOUR SITUATION

Wesley Vos
Nov 5
4 min read

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Being in a foreign country under coercion, debt bondage, or forced labour is extremely dangerous.

Immediate, informed action can save lives and reduce risk.

1. CONTACT SOUTH AFRICAN AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY:

EMBASSY OR CONSULATE:
- Find the nearest South African embassy or consulate. Use their emergency numbers if available.
- Provide them with as much information as you can: your location, employer, living conditions, and any threats made against you.
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION (DIRCO):
- In emergencies, DIRCO can coordinate consular assistance, work with local authorities, and initiate repatriation if needed.
DOCUMENT YOUR ATTEMPTS:
- Keep a private record of all communications with authorities, which may assist in future legal proceedings.

2. CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES OR ANTI-TRAFFICKING HOTLINES:

LOCAL POLICE:
- Report your situation, but exercise caution if the local law enforcement is unreliable or corrupt.
ANTI-TRAFFICKING HOTLINES:
- Many countries have national hotlines for trafficking victims.
- If you are in a high-risk area like Myanmar, local services may be limited, so identify NGOs, international organisations (IOM, UNODC, Red Cross), or regional hotlines that assist foreign nationals.
NGOs:
- Groups like Justice and Care, A21, or the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) may provide legal advice, emergency shelter, and repatriation support.

3. DOCUMENT EVIDENCE SAFELY:

KEEP RECORDS:
- Photos of your workplace, living quarters, employer communications, contracts, and receipts of payments or fees.
AVOID DETECTION:
- Only take evidence if it is safe.
- Do not alert your traffickers.
- Use hidden apps, encrypted storage, or cloud services that your employer cannot access.
LOG EVENTS:
- Write down dates, times, and names of people involved. Even small details can help investigators.

4. MAINTAIN A HIDDEN MEANS OF COMMUNICATION:

Use a secondary phone, encrypted messaging apps (Signal, WhatsApp with secure backups), or a trusted friend/family member abroad to stay in contact.
Establish a code or signal system to alert someone if you are in immediate danger.
Ensure that any device used is hidden from your employer or traffickers.

5. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IMMEDIATE HARM:

Avoid confrontation with traffickers unless absolutely safe.
Do not attempt to escape alone from compounds that are heavily monitored or in remote areas.
Prioritise safety over immediate freedom, plan escapes or alert authorities when you can to minimise risk.
Seek help for injuries or illnesses discreetly and remember that local NGOs or diplomatic missions can sometimes provide medical assistance.

6. UNDERSTAND YOUR RIGHTS:

Even in a foreign country, you are entitled to basic protections under international law.
Forced labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking are illegal under most international conventions (e.g., UN Palermo Protocol, ILO Conventions).
Knowledge of your rights helps you stay assertive and provides grounds for requesting assistance.

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT:

Victims of trafficking often experience trauma, anxiety, or coercion-induced compliance.
If possible, discreetly reach out to mental health professionals through NGOs or embassies.
Even brief counselling sessions can help you maintain clarity and make safe decisions.

8. EMERGENCY EVAUATION/REPATRIATION:

In coordination with the embassy, authorities may arrange safe extraction or relocation to a secure shelter.
Do not wait until conditions worsen.
Early contact with authorities increases the chances of a safe exit.
Follow instructions from trusted officials closely.

9. AVOID SELF-BLAME:

Being trafficked or coerced into forced labour is never the victim’s fault.
Traffickers exploit trust, naivety, and financial desperation.
Reporting your situation, seeking help, and following safety protocols is the correct course of action.

10. KEY REMINDERS:

Keep calm and vigilant, as panic can increase risk.
Use coded or discreet communication if others may be watching.
Record everything safely for potential legal proceedings or restitution later.
Remember that successful rescues have occurred — help is possible.

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