[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

ANGOLA (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report - Angola

The Government of Angola does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.  The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Angola remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included identifying more victims; training frontline officials on the national referral mechanism (NRM) and standard operating procedures (SOPs); and cooperating with foreign governments on cross-border trafficking cases.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  The government investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers.  The government did not have adequate protection services to assist trafficking victims, including shelter services.  The government did not allocate sufficient resources to implement its NAP.  The government did not have regulations to oversee labor recruitment agencies beyond periodic labor inspections.

Prioritized Recommendations

Systematically implement and conduct training for front-line officials on the NRM and SOPs for the proactive screening and identification of victims among vulnerable groups, including foreign nationals such as migrants and refugees, particularly in Lunda Norte, as well as North Korean and Cuban workers, and refer trafficking victims to appropriate services. 

Increase efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes, especially sex trafficking and labor trafficking in the construction sector and in animal herding, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms. 

Increase access to shelters and services for adult and child trafficking victims, either directly or in partnership with NGOs or international organizations. 

Appropriately fund the Inter-ministerial Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons (Commission) to effectively coordinate and build capacity across the government and implement the NAP on trafficking in persons. 

Dedicate resources to address vulnerabilities of returned Angolan migrants from Namibia and screen for human trafficking indicators during the ongoing climate crisis in Huíla, Cunene, and Namibe provinces. 

Amend Article 178 to criminalize all forms of internal sex trafficking. 

Establish and implement policies to formally disconnect the requirement of participation in investigations and prosecutions for victim identification and to receive official trafficking victim status. 

Conduct trainings and multi-sector information sharing workshops for law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and the judiciary on implementing the anti-trafficking provisions in Angolan law. 

Expand the collection of law enforcement and victim protection data for trafficking cases, specifically the number of victims referred and provided protective services, and compile data from all provinces. 

Support the provision of legal identity documents among vulnerable Angolan populations, to increase access to services and reduce vulnerability to trafficking.