Madam Melrose Karminty, the Minister of Social Welfare, spearheads the launch of Sierra Leone’s National Strategy to End Human Trafficking.

The Minister, in providing her keynote speech at the United Nations Network on Migration’s “Working Better Together” program addresses the critical issue of human trafficking. She underlined the importance of collective action to combat human trafficking in all its forms.

The Minister underlined the gravity of the crime and the need to leave no victim behind, ensuring that victims receive comprehensive and tailored support. She highlighted the importance of the National Referral Mechanism, which provides a pathway for victims to access quality protection services, including temporary shelter, rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment.

The theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking, “Reach every Victim of Trafficking, Leave no one behind,” resonated deeply with the Minister and served as a clarion call to action and a renewed commitment to the country’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Agency.

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Dehunge Shiaka, The Executive Director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Agency, commended the partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare, noting that the collaboration aimed to implement the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migration Smuggling Act No. 12 of 2022. He said “This significant step involved strengthening the Anti Trafficking in Person Task Force secretariat for effective coordination, monitoring, and supervision of state and non-state actors working towards combating trafficking.”

Director Shaika declared openly the launch of the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund, which would enable the establishment of the First Adult Male Shelter for Victims of Trafficking and the expansion of existing shelters. He admitted the critical role played by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in supporting prevention and community awareness efforts.

Mr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, the UN Resident Coordinator to Sierra Leone underscored the global scale of human trafficking, with 28 million people trapped in various forms of trafficking worldwide. Women and children, especially girls, are disproportionately affected, with females accounting for 60% of victims, as highlighted in the UNODC’s 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.

Mr Ahonsi reflected the call for more investment in detection, protection, and law enforcement to bring traffickers to justice and support survivors. He quoted UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who emphasized the urgent need to end human trafficking and create a world where no one can ever be bought, sold, or exploited.

Christos Doulides, the Head of the Office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), admitted the gaps in responses to human trafficking and highlighted the vulnerability of targeted individuals due to poverty, conflict, and climate-related disasters. He commended Sierra Leone’s efforts in combating trafficking and effective prosecutions of perpetrators.

The newly established Anti-Trafficking in Persons Secretarial, in conjunction with the IOM, organized the event to mark the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The comprehensive National Strategy to End Human Trafficking (2022-2026) was officially launched by the Minister, outlining 29 action points assigned to various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations. The strategy’s key focus areas involve policy development, prevention, protection, partnership, and prosecution to eliminate human trafficking in Sierra Leone.

Hon Melrose Karminty’s keynote speech and the subsequent launch of the National Strategy to End Human Trafficking received widespread acclaim and support from stakeholders, traditional partners, and the international community. The minister’s commitment and dedication to fighting human trafficking have set a powerful example for the nation, leaving a lasting impact on Sierra Leone’s journey towards a safer, more just, and trafficking-free society.