A crucial three-day working group meeting centered on adapting the ECOWAS Regional Trafficking in Persons Plus Strategy commenced today Tuesday, April 8th at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach.

Organized by the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Task Force Secretariat-Sierra Leone, under the guidance of the Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone, the initiative is a collaborative effort with ECOWAS and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The primary aim of the working group is to facilitate national-level consultations for the adaptation and dissemination of the ECOWAS Regional TIP Plus Strategy across its member states.

Addressing the attendees, Amak Obiokeye Nwalon, Head of the ICMPD Ghana, highlighted the global scale of human trafficking and lauded Sierra Leone for its pioneering role in implementing the TIP+ strategy. Madam Nwalon stated that trafficking in persons is a global menace and a criminal activity that generates billions of dollars. Nwalon emphasized that the majority of victims are women and children, stressing that this illicit trade not only constitutes serious criminal activity but also targets the most vulnerable members of society. She further explained that the strategy aims to tackle both the symptoms and the underlying causes of trafficking.

The European Union in Sierra Leone continued support was reiterated by its representative, Els Mortier, who outlined their comprehensive five-pronged approach encompassing Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership. She expressed the EU’s satisfaction in contributing to the working group and affirmed their commitment to assisting ECOWAS member states in their efforts to combat human trafficking.

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Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay, in his address, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to combating human trafficking, underpinned by robust legal and policy frameworks. He noted 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, as well as the ECOWAS action plan against trafficking in persons.

Minister Sesay reported that between 2024 and 2025, his office, working with law enforcement agencies, had prosecuted approximately 46 trafficking cases, resulting in three convictions for human trafficking and migrant smuggling involving both domestic and transnational operations, with perpetrators brought to justice.

 

Formally inaugurating the session, Minister of Social Welfare Mrs. Melrose Karminty underscored Sierra Leone’s unwavering stance against human trafficking. Speaking to a diverse audience of stakeholders from the judiciary, civil society, and international organizations, she called for a unified regional response built on stronger legislation, heightened public awareness, and effective victim support systems.

Minister Karminty stressed the importance of investing in vulnerable communities and utilizing digital tools to dismantle trafficking networks. She commended the strategic guidance and support provided by ECOWAS, the EU, and ICMPD, urging participants to translate discussions into concrete actions. With a formal declaration, she opened the session, encouraging all stakeholders to engage in focused discussions to achieve tangible outcomes and strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.

The working group meeting, which commenced on Tuesday, April 8th, is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, April 10th, 2025.