Human trafficking addressed in support of social justice in South Africa

Press Release

15 October 2009

Human trafficking and the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be one of the main topics of discussion when The Salvation Army’s Director of the International Social Justice Commission, Commissioner Christine MacMillan, visits South Africa at the end of this week. She arrives on 17th October 2009 and her visit ends on 23rd October 2009.

Commissioner MacMillan, a Canadian officer whose background is in social services, has vast experience in social justice matters and has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and human dignity for the poor and oppressed people around the world.

As part of her five day visit to the country, all matters relating to the harmful practice of human trafficking before, during and after the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and ways in which to try and fight this battle will be conveyed to The Salvation Army’s personnel as well as other organisations involved in combating this threat.

When the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 took place in June, human trafficking was already expected to increase according to research by The Salvation Army, working in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental migration organisation.

“The Salvation Army has embarked on an anti-human trafficking campaign some time ago, however this is not enough to stop human trafficking completely.  Therefore we will be consulting Commissioner MacMillan to find solutions that have been used internationally to work against this unsettling reality”, said Captain Garth Niemand, the Public Relations Secretary of The Salvation Army.

The International Social Justice Commission, which forms part of The Salvation Army, works towards advancing the policies and practice of The Salvation Army, and the fair treatment and impartial sharing of benefits of society by fighting for equality.

Commissioner MacMillan started her career as a social worker and has held senior positions in the Salvation Army, including that of leader of The Salvation Army in Canada.  She became the first International Director for Social Justice for The Salvation Army.  She is also the first woman to hold an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Canada Christian College.

She has travelled extensively and has lived in five countries: Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom and the USA where she learnt about different cultures, values and faiths during her work as a Salvation Army Officer, thereby giving her first hand knowledge and experience of the social injustices the poorer people of the world endure.

The Commissioner, whilst in South Africa, will also advocate for the citizens of South Africa to stand together and fight against the violation of human rights of all South Africans, refugees and migrants and to help make a difference to the global fight against social justice.

ENDS

Commissioner Macmillan is available for a limited number of media interviews during the morning of 23rd October. Please liaise with the media contacts listed below to arrange an interview.

The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and has a professional record in rehabilitating and accommodating trafficking trade victims and addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner through its International Social Justice Commission.

Issued by Quo Vadis Communications on behalf of the Salvation Army

Quo Vadis Communications and its staff may not be quoted on behalf of the Salvation Army

Media Contact:

Samantha de Klerk
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 076-699-353
Email: fleur@quo-vadis.co.za

Client Contact:

Captain Garth Niemand
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
Email: Garth_Niemand@saf.salvationarmy.org