SALT LAKE CITY — Human trafficking is the result of poverty and vulnerability.
The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City and The Most Rev. John H. Ricard of the Diocese of Pensacola were on a delegation sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to Zimbabwe and South Africa from Aug. 26 to Sept. 6.
The bishops are members of the Subcommittee on Africa. Bishop Wester is the chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Migration. Bishop Ricard is chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on Africa. This is the third in a series of articles.
“One of the concerns of South Africa is human trafficking,” said Bishop Wester. “Because of the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and because the World Cup is coming to South Africa next year, our committee was very concerned about human trafficking. We know in the immigration flow, for example, that many of the women, once they cross the border, are no longer seen. This raises the fear they are being caught up into trafficking where they would be forced into the sex trade, domestic labor or other dehumanizing situations.”
Bishop Wester said the Catholic Conference in Africa is working hard to get the word out about human trafficking, and government officials hopefully will educate people about this tragedy.
“I think it is important to note that human trafficking does not just happen in other countries,” said Bishop Wester. “Here in the United States, there are people who are victims of human trafficking. We hear of raids being conducted and traffickers being arrested. This is prevalent throughout our world.
“Many of the refugees that are caught up in human trafficking are minors, and it is hard to imagine the fear and devastation they experience,” he said. “With the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, these innocent people are highly susceptible to contracting this disease.
“Another terrible reality we interviewed people about was the xenophobic attacks that occurred in South Africa a short time ago,” said Bishop Wester. “Many of the refugees remain weary and afraid because of these attacks and they find it difficult to move about the country seeking employment and assistance. There are many factors leading to these attacks, but at the heart once again is the terrible reality of ‘man’s inhumanity to man.’
“We encountered many, many wonderful and gracious South Africans who are horrified by the attacks and are working hard to see that they never happen again,” said Bishop Wester. “These attacks remind us of the importance of respect and tolerance in our societies, and that we must not paint each other with broad brushes. We have to recognize the uniqueness and the dignity of each individual created in the image of God, and see in them the face of Christ.”
Bishop Wester said it is very difficult for the Zimbawean refugees in South Africa because they are coming from a country with 86 percent unemployment to a country with 24 percent unemployment. It is certainly better, but it is still serious, and yet, they are seeking a better situation. It is difficult for them to get across the border legally or illegally.
“Once the Zimbaweans get in South Africa, they are often preyed upon by the amagumaguma of southern Zimbabwe, who are scavengers and robbers, who sometimes kill the refugees. They are in a desperate situation.
“We talked to many orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), whose parents are either missing or dead, or 13- for 14-year old children who came on their own,” said Bishop Wester. “They say they are trying to find an education since many schools in Zimbabwe are closed, but in reality, they are trying to find a job to send money back home. One of the camps housed 160 boys who lived in stacked bunk beds on dirt floors, in a fenced-off area. They were being aided by non-governmental organizations.”
Bishop Wester said there were also shelters for women and children.
He spoke of an Irish Missionary of the Sacred Heart priest who feeds 400 to 500 refugees soup ever day, in addition to his pastoral duties.
“The Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg houses about 3,000 Zimbabwean refugees. It is a downtown church,” said Bishop Wester. “The church looks like an office building. The church is on the second floor, and offices are on the third and fourth floors. There are thousands of refugees occupying this building and the church itself.
“The people find a spot wherever they can to sleep, using the limited toilet facilities,” said Bishop Wester. “During the day they go out and look for food and money. This is not a solution; something needs to be done. These people need to be able to raise their families in better conditions.
“South Africa has, in many respects, been very open to the refugees, although it is difficult to manage and to help so many of them,” said Bishop Wester. “I get a sense that the South Africans want to do right by the refugees on one hand, but on the other hand, they are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers. The local church is very supportive of the refugees. The Bishop’s Conference of South Africa, the local church and the dioceses themselves also are doing what they can to help and assist.”
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