A recent report by Al Jazeera titled 'Freetown Becomes Target for Human Traffickers' sheds light on the escalating threat of human trafficking in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown. The investigation emphasizes the vulnerability of the country's poorest communities, particularly exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change.
Sierra Leone faces a pervasive issue of human trafficking, a crime involving the use of force, coercion, or fraud to exploit individuals for profit. While official data is limited, experts point to the alarming reality in the country, fueled by factors such as youth unemployment nearing 60 percent and a majority of the population living on less than $3 a day. This dire economic situation creates a substantial pool of potential victims, with traffickers exploiting the aspirations of those seeking better opportunities abroad, particularly women.
Traffickers often lure victims with promises of lucrative positions, such as nannies, hairdressers, maids, or shop assistants in various countries, including Lebanon, Oman, Dubai, Kuwait, and Turkey. However, upon reaching their destinations, victims frequently find their passports confiscated and are coerced into unpaid labour within private residences, with many reporting instances of sexual abuse.
The report highlights shocking statistics, revealing that 99 percent of 469 Sierra Leonean domestic workers surveyed in Oman in the last two years admitted to being trafficked, and a third reported experiencing sexual abuse.
In response to the escalating crisis, Sierra Leone implemented a new law in 2022, prescribing a minimum sentence of 25 years for those convicted of human trafficking. Despite dozens of arrests, the report indicates that only three convictions have been reported, with traffickers exploiting loopholes in the justice system, often evading punishment through bribery or leveraging political connections.
Experts and advocates, including members of Migrant Rights, stress the need for a robust justice system and emphasize the importance of prevention through education. Saraswathi, a member of Migrant Rights, highlighted, "In the absence of a robust justice system, the best prevention is education so that people ask the right questions when they are offered a job." The report underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic issues that contribute to human trafficking and calls for comprehensive efforts to protect vulnerable populations in Freetown and beyond.