Uber partners with A21 to fight Human Trafficking in SA

Human trafficking is a global epidemic that impacts the cities and communities where we live, the restaurants where we dine, and the streets where we drive. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims in modern slavery, including 25 million in forced labour globally. 

In honour of Human Trafficking Awareness week in South Africa, Uber is making a commitment to raise awareness around this heinous crime by developing new educational materials with guidance from A21, and sending them to drivers, and Uber Eats delivery-partners across South Africa, so they can learn how human trafficking works, how it may present, and how they can report or reach out for help. 

In 2016, Uber became the first and only company in the on-demand space to sign The Code to help prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in the travel and tourism industry. We are now continuing our commitment in South Africa to disrupting human trafficking by working with A21 to educate driver-partners and delivery-people on how to spot and report potential signs of human trafficking in partnership.

Uber has a unique role to play because riders, driver-partners, and delivery-partners are the eyes and ears on the road. We have the opportunity to be a part of the solution by utilizing our technology and expansive network to mobilize communities and help educate everyone who uses Uber on what to do when they suspect someone is in a potentially dangerous situation.  

To learn more about human trafficking, have a look at A21’s Can You See Me? Campaign. These short films are designed to unpack local scenarios and common recruitment tactics in South Africa. 

If you believe you’ve witnessed something that might be human trafficking, or if you or someone you know might need help for an at-risk situation, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 0800 222 777 or visit A21s website at a21.org for more information.