A recent study conducted by the African Programming and Research Institute to End Slavery (APRIES) has revealed that child trafficking remains a significant issue in the Northwest region of Sierra Leone.
According to the study, child trafficking is still active in Kambia District, with approximately 34 percent of children aged 5-17 having experienced this harrowing practice. Moreover, the research found that 40 percent of these children were also subjected to child labor.
The most common form of exploitation for these trafficked children involved working as domestic servants, on farms, or as street vendors for meager or no pay. Shockingly, some of the children were forced into inhumane activities, such as carrying heavy loads and enduring extreme heat or cold.
Many victims reported that they were deceived into such situations after being taken under the care of foster parents. These foster parents coerced them into engaging in activities outside their homes, such as selling sachet water, which disadvantaged them from receiving an education.
The research highlights that some of the affected children are actually attending school, but due to financial pressures, they are forced to work to pay their school fees.
Moreover, the study revealed that children aged 12-17 who contribute to household expenses, those attending Quranic schools, and orphans are particularly vulnerable and at higher risk of falling victim to trafficking and child labour.
Notably, this recent research by APRIES aligns closely with an earlier study conducted in 2022, which showed a similar prevalence of child trafficking and labor in the Eastern Province during that time.