The EU-commissioned baseline research on child labour, trafficking, and indecent work in Sierra Leone was conducted to assess the prevalence and risks associated with child exploitation in various forms, particularly child labour, trafficking, and child prostitution. Funded by the European Union and led by GOAL in partnership with World Hope International and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, the study aimed to inform future policy and programmatic interventions. Conducted between October and November 2018, the study utilized a mixed-methods approach, gathering data from over 700 households across urban settlements like Freetown, Makeni, and Kenema, through surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions.
The findings reveal alarming rates of child engagement in labour, with 71% of children aged 5-17 participating in at least one form of work. The study also highlights that a significant proportion of children are exposed to hazardous conditions, with 18% working in potentially dangerous environments. The study documented child trafficking trends, emphasizing both internal and cross-border movements of children for exploitation purposes. It uncovered that 5% of children living away from their biological parents were unsure of their parents' whereabouts, placing them at significant risk of trafficking.
Key recommendations from the study include strengthening child protection mechanisms, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and implementing preventative strategies to address the root causes of child exploitation. The report emphasizes the need for robust legislation, community awareness programs, and integrated support systems for affected children. These findings are critical in guiding future child protection efforts and shaping policies to safeguard children from exploitation across Sierra Leone.