By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter, D.S
A pivotal three-day working group meeting focusing on the adaptation of the ECOWAS Regional Trafficking in Persons Plus Strategy commenced today, April 8th, at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach.
The meeting, organized by the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Task Force Secretariat of Sierra Leone, is being conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with ECOWAS and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Its primary objective is to facilitate national-level consultations to adapt and disseminate the ECOWAS Regional TIP Plus Strategy across member states.
In her address to attendees, Amak Obiokeye Nwalon, Head of ICMPD Ghana, underscored the global nature of human trafficking, commending Sierra Leone for its pioneering implementation of the TIP+ strategy. “Trafficking in persons is a global menace and a criminal activity that generates billions of dollars,” Nwalon stated, noting that the majority of victims are women and children. She emphasized that this illicit trade constitutes a serious criminal offense that exploits the most vulnerable members of society. Nwalon elaborated that the strategy is designed to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of trafficking.
Els Mortier, a representative of the European Union in Sierra Leone, reiterated the EU’s ongoing support. She outlined a comprehensive five-pronged approach that includes Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership, and expressed satisfaction with the EU’s contributions to the working group, reaffirming the commitment to assist ECOWAS member states in their efforts to combat human trafficking.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay further reinforced the government’s dedication to fighting human trafficking, backed by robust legal and policy frameworks. He highlighted the ratification of key international and regional instruments, including the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, along with the ECOWAS action plan against trafficking in persons.
Minister Sesay reported that, between 2024 and 2025, the government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, prosecuted approximately 46 trafficking cases, leading to three convictions for human trafficking and migrant smuggling in both domestic and transnational operations.
Inaugurating the session, Minister of Social Welfare Mrs. Melrose Karminty emphasized the unwavering resolve against human trafficking. She urged diverse stakeholders from the judiciary, civil society, and international organizations to establish a unified regional response anchored in robust legislation, increased public awareness, and effective support systems for victims.
Minister Karminty highlighted the necessity of investing in vulnerable communities and leveraging digital tools to dismantle trafficking networks. She commended the strategic guidance and support from ECOWAS, the EU, and ICMPD, urging participants to translate discussions into actionable outcomes. With a formal declaration, she opened the session, encouraging proactive engagement among stakeholders to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.
The working group meeting is set to conclude on Thursday, April 10th, 2025.
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