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16 October 2007

The South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) will be hosting an Africa Region Conference on human trafficking from 18 to 21 October 2007 at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.

The South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges was formed in August 2004 and inaugurated by the State President on the eve of National Women's Day. Membership is made up of Judges and Magistrates. The chapter seeks to bring together women judicial officers in South Africa with the aim of facilitating and encouraging interaction between them and their colleagues in other countries, promoting leadership by women within the judiciary, and promoting the interests of women and children in society, in particular, the interests of disadvantaged women and children.

The conference will be attended by delegates from amongst others Nigeria, Zimbabwe, United States of America (USA), and local judicial officers. Various topics will be canvassed amongst others:

* the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s strategy to address human trafficking,
* different countries stance and accomplishments i.e. Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria
* current laws available to combat trafficking in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region.

Media is invited to attend the conference.

It is important for different role-players to collaborate in order to bring greater awareness of the vast challenges that still face vulnerable groups, including women and children in our society. Events such as these also show that those involved in the application and enforcement of the laws designed to protect human and women's rights are sensitive to the harsh realities faced by many women and children in society and are prepared to take steps to address some of these difficulties. It is hoped that this conference will bring together legal minds from over the continent, to share experiences and brainstorm over an international evil that needs to be eliminated.

Programme

Human trafficking in Africa
A regional and domestic response

Thursday, 18 October

9h00 to 10h00: Registration

10h00 to 10h30: Welcome and opening address, Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke

10h30 to 11h00: Greetings from the worldwide membership of IAWJ and a presentation about IAWJ's current work and membership, Joan Winship.

10h00 to 13h30: IAWJ South African Chapter Annual General Meeting (AGM) – (South African members only)

13h00 to 14h00: Lunch

14h00 to 14h30: An overview of International Conventions with special focus on the regional chapters in Africa, Susan Kreston

14h30 to 14h45: Discussion or question session

14h45 to 15h15: Existing legal provisions in South Africa on human trafficking: Kruger

15h15 to 15h30: Discussion or question session

15h30 to 16h00: Child trafficking / child labour – Therese Abrahamsen (ILO)

16h00 to 16h15: Tea

16h15 to 16h30: Discussion or question session

19h30: Dinner

Friday, 19 October

9h00 to 9h30: Keynote address, Minister of Justice, Balindlela Mbandla

9h30 to 10h30: Movie, Human trafficking

10h30 to 10h45: Tea

10h45 to 11h00: Discussion on the movie

11h00 to 11h30: The legislative and judicial response to human trafficking – A Nigerian respective, Nigerian Judicial Officer

11h30 to 11h45: Discussion or question session

11h45 to 12h15: Current laws available to combat trafficking in the SADC Region: Options and Challenges, South African Jill Thompson

12h15 to 12h30: Discussion or question session

12h30 to 14h00: Lunch

14h00 to 14h30: The need for judicial officers to develop their understanding of the hierarchy of human rights, Joyce Maluleke

14h30 to 14h45: Discussion or question session

14h45 to 15h30: The efficacy of anti-child labour legal provisions / child trafficking, Pamela Silolo from Molo Songolo

15h30 to 15h45: Discussion or question session

15h45 to 16h00: Tea

16h00 to 16H30: NPA's strategy to address human trafficking, what its achievements have been, challenges facing implementation of and delivery on its strategy, next steps in its implementation plan, Mckenzie

16h30 to 16h45: Discussion or question session

7h30: Galal dinner

Saturday, 20 October

9h00 to 9h30: Key address, Kader Asmal

9h30 to 10h00: Migration dialogue for Southern Africa, Mariam Khokhar / Marija Nikolovska

10h30 to 10h45: Discussion or question session

10h45 to 11h00: Tea

11h00 to 11h30: Human Trafficking: Promising Practices in Law Enforcement and Victim Service Response, Marie Martinez

11h30 to 11h45: Discussion or question session

11h45 to 12h15: Human trafficking. A domestic and regional response. The Uganda case, Justice Margret Oumo Oguli and Her worship Henrietta Wolayo-Registrar of the Supreme Court of Uganda

12h15 to 12h30: Discussion or question session

12h00 to 13h30: Lunch

13h30 to 13h45: Board buses

13h34 to 19h00: Conference afternoon out

19h00: Dinner at a restaurant

22h00: Buses depart for hotel

Sunday, 21 October

9h00 to 9h30: 'The child trafficking phenomenon in Zimbabwe, some suggestions for judicial and other intervention,' a Zimbabwean Judge

9h30 to 10h30: Finalisation of proposals emanating from discussion sessions

10h30 to 10h45: Remarks from a Representative of Africa's Liaison Officers

10h45 to 11h00: Vote of thanks

Enquiries:
Belinda Molamu
Tel: 015 295 5309

Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
16 October 2007