By Kemo Kanyi
The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) has announced the rescue of 11 Liberian nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking and child labour exploitation in The Gambia.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NAATIP said the victims, comprising seven minors and four young adults aged between 12 and 19 years, were rescued during an operation conducted at a construction site where they were allegedly subjected to exploitative labour conditions.
According to the agency, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were brought to The Gambia from Liberia by a Nigerian national identified as Bola, 60, and his wife, Khadijatou Sillah.
NAATIP alleged that the suspects recruited and transported the children under the promise that they would be enrolled in school and provided with vocational and livelihood skills training.
However, the agency said investigations indicated that upon arrival in The Gambia, the children were instead engaged in construction-related work without remuneration and were denied the educational and training opportunities that had been promised to them.
The agency noted that the victims were allegedly made to work under conditions that raised concerns of child labour exploitation and human trafficking.
Following the operation, the victims were placed under protective custody and were receiving care, psychosocial support and other forms of assistance in accordance with the victim protection provisions of The Gambia’s Trafficking in Persons Act, NAATIP said.
The agency added that the suspects are assisting investigators and that efforts are continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking operation and identify any additional victims.
NAATIP condemned all forms of human trafficking, child labour exploitation and the abuse of vulnerable persons, reaffirming its commitment to investigating and prosecuting offenders while ensuring the protection and rehabilitation of victims.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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