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Human Trafficking in Sierra Leone¹

In 2002, a UN report reveals that the coastal West African country had been a source, transit point and destination for human trafficking. Facts have not been released on this assertion. But based on what is happening, many have interpreted it to mean that, it is a source because many youth, women and men in their prime are recruited in the country and trafficked to western countries. Also, it serves as a transit point for those recruited in other West African countries. Though there have been no proofs, it has been publicly alleged by many that Sierra Leone has been a destination for many Asians who are recruited in their home countries for jobs promised by their fellow nationalities.

The phenomenon has never gained much attention even in the local media or from the authorities, apparently due to lack of information. But an organization called "Faith-based Initiatives on Trafficking of Humans Consortium (FAITH Consortium) has now taken the lead to sensitize the Sierra Leonean society. Also, it now collaborates with groups that seek to engage in protecting vulnerable people and investigates and monitors events on human trafficking.

Many people might become vulnerable especially after the eleven years war that impoverished the country. Miss Alberta Kaikai, a Sierra Leonean, is one of the coordinators of FAITH Consortium. She asserts: "Trafficking exists in Sierra Leone". She explains that trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, sale, harboring of a person through force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of exploiting that person. Alberta points out: "The future of Sierra Leone depends on the partnership of government, NGOs, activist groups and local communities".

FAITH currently participates in the Sierra Leone Government's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Task Force. It comprises the Sierra Leone Police, Drug Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Social Welfare, Immigration, National Revenue Authority, Law Officers Department, Office of National Security, UN Mission in Sierra Leone, US Embassy and some international NGOs.

Miss Janet Nickel, an American, is another coordinator of FAITH Consortium. She says, "Driven by armed conflicts, instability, economic hardship, corrupt governments, criminal elements and social disruption, the contemporary slave trade feeds a global demand for cheap and vulnerable labour", adding: "In addition to horrific abuses suffered by victims, the profits from trafficking increase organized crime in and between countries, foster government corruption and undermine the rule of law".

She stresses that in post-war era, Sierra Leone has an opportunity to stem the tide of slavery in and through its borders. However, many Sierra Leoneans point accusing fingers on Western countries that are the destinations and say their governments need to crack down hard on those engaged in the trade.