The Child Trafficking and the Worst Forms of Child Labor in Sierra Leone: A Mixed Methods Study is a comprehensive baseline research initiative aimed at understanding the prevalence, community perspectives, and policy gaps regarding child trafficking and labor in Sierra Leone. Conducted by the African Programming & Research Initiative to End Slavery (APRIES) in partnership with local entities, this study focused on hotspots in the Eastern Province—Kailahun, Kenema, and Kono. By employing a combination of household surveys, in-depth interviews with survivors and key informants, and focus group discussions, the study provides a robust analysis of the socio-economic factors contributing to child exploitation in these regions.
Key findings from the study highlight alarming prevalence rates of child trafficking and labor, with direct prevalence estimates indicating that 33% of children in these regions have experienced trafficking. The research also identifies critical vulnerabilities, such as children without parental care and those not enrolled in school, who are disproportionately at risk of trafficking. The study reveals that while trafficking is widely condemned, child labor, especially domestic work and street vending, is often socially acceptable and seen as part of the children's role within the community.
The study emphasizes significant gaps in the legal and policy frameworks designed to protect children. Despite the existence of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, enforcement remains weak, and there is a lack of coordinated efforts between local and national authorities. The report calls for more effective prevention strategies, improved collaboration across sectors, and the development of comprehensive reintegration services for trafficking survivors. The findings are critical for shaping future anti-trafficking policies and practices, aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their access to education and protective services.