By Stephen V. Lansana
Director of CenTHRO making a statement
Freetown, August 27, 2024 — The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Centre on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach (CenTHRO) at the University of Georgia and various key stakeholders, held a crucial Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Human Trafficking at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. Themed “Domesticating the Freetown Roadmap and Enhancing Inter-Ministerial Coordination to Combat Human Trafficking,” the gathering aimed to bolster coordination among government ministries, departments, agencies, and partners to tackle human trafficking effectively.
The meeting saw participation from several government entities, including the Anti-Trafficking Task Force Secretariat and the Ministry of Social Welfare, alongside international bodies such as UN agencies. The primary objective was to develop a coordinated strategy to implement the Freetown Roadmap, an initiative focused on domesticating anti-trafficking efforts within Sierra Leone.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Trafficking
In her opening remarks, Chairperson Mrs. Mariatu Bangura emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing strategies to combat human trafficking. She urged stakeholders to remain committed to the cause, highlighting that trafficking is a degrading crime that requires a united approach to eradicate.
Dr. David Okech, Director of CenTHRO, detailed the organization’s achievements, including media fellowships and training programs that have contributed to reducing human trafficking in several districts across Sierra Leone. He called for increased cross-border collaboration to combat trafficking and stressed the importance of education as a protective factor against child labor and trafficking.
Government Commitment and Challenges
Representing the Vice President, Minister of Social Welfare Madam Melrose Karminty acknowledged the significant issue of forced labor in sectors such as agriculture, mining, construction, and fisheries. She pointed out that nearly 40% of trafficking victims are trapped in these industries, often under dehumanizing conditions. The Minister urged that opportunities be created within Sierra Leone to reduce the vulnerability of those who might otherwise seek work abroad under dangerous conditions.
She also noted the high prevalence of forced marriages involving children, which the recent enactment of the Child Marriage Act, 2024, aims to curb. However, she expressed concern that donor contributions to the Victim Trust Fund, established to support trafficking survivors, have been lacking.
International Support and Future Steps
UNICEF Representative Mr. Rudolf Schwenk, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, praised the government’s efforts in enacting the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Migrants Smuggling Act of 2022. He highlighted that while legislation is crucial, a multifaceted approach involving all sectors of society is necessary to effectively combat trafficking. He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Sierra Leone through expertise, resources, and partnerships.
The U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, commended the country’s progress in fighting human trafficking but acknowledged that significant challenges remain. He stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders and the need for specialized support, such as shelters for male trafficking survivors.
A Call to Action
The meeting concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in combating human trafficking. The Minister of Youths, Mr. Bangura, reflected on the ongoing challenges faced by Sierra Leone, particularly the vulnerability of its youth population in a low-income context. He stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to protect the nation’s future.
As the session wrapped up, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against human trafficking, emphasizing that only through coordinated and sustained efforts can this scourge be eradicated, ensuring a safer and more just society for all Sierra Leoneans.