[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

SIERRA LEONE (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included prosecuting suspected traffickers and passing and enacting the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act of 2022, which increased penalties prescribed for trafficking crimes and removed the option for a fine in lieu of imprisonment for convicted traffickers.  The government also supported repatriation of Sierra Leonean victims abroad.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  The government convicted fewer traffickers and identified fewer victims.  Victim services remained woefully inadequate, and the government did not provide financial support to civil society organizations to provide services.

Prioritized Recommendations

Expand victim protection services for all trafficking victims, including shelter for male victims.

Increase efforts to investigate and prosecute and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should include significant prison terms.

Train police, prosecutors, and judges to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases under the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act of 2022.

Train all officials on the SOPs on victim identification and NRM to ensure trafficking victims receive timely services.

Proactively screen for trafficking indicators among vulnerable populations, including Sierra Leonean women traveling abroad for domestic work, women in commercial sex, irregular migrants, children in informal foster care arrangements, and Cuban overseas workers.

Increase implementation of the Labor Migration Policy, including by providing predeparture education about human trafficking and labor rights, improving recruitment agency licensing procedures, and increasing the capacity of Sierra Leonean missions abroad to support victims.

Coordinate with regional governments to prosecute transnational cases, coordinate victim protection, and prevent trafficking.

Improve data collection on anti-trafficking law enforcement and victim assistance efforts.

Screen any North Korean workers for signs of trafficking and refer them to appropriate services in a manner consistent with obligations under UNSCR 2397.