South Sudan mulls policy against child trafficking

JUBA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan government on Thursday announced plans to enact an immigration policy to counter child trafficking which is rampant in the country.

James Dak, deputy spokesman for South Sudan National Police Service, said the government is in the process of consulting with human rights activists to find the modality of developing the policy.

"We are forced to develop the policy to help guide law enforcement agents to address child abduction and girls' trafficking that have increased along the points of entry," Dak said during a dialogue about gender-based violence.

He revealed that the policy will be used for reference and it is to indicate whoever is traveling, whether male or female carrying a child or an underage person, has to be verified where they are going with that child.

Dak said the government issues passports for everybody including children and grown-ups. "The law requires that all parents travelling to foreign countries with their children must present evidence," he said.

He said that the deliberations on the proposed policy will serve as a guide to everyone who intends to travel abroad.

Dak said that once compiled and approved by the parliament, the policy will be used by immigration and security personnel at the border points.

As reported over the past five years, he said, South Sudan is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. Enditem