CGG Inputs Human Trafficking Bill
By Michael Bockarie

June 16, 2005 – (Concord Times) Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) last Wednesday organized a one-day workshop to discuss the Anti-Human Trafficking, which is before Parliament for enactment into law.

The programme took place at CGG's office at Old Railway line, Freetown and brought gathering together participants from different walks of life.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Alusine Fofanah of the Sierra Leone People Party (SLPP) said the Bill they discussed was almost in its final stage and the main objective of the workshop is to bring on board contributions, suggestions and questions of other key players.

"The suggestions might be useful to the legislative body," he said.

Ombudsman Frances Gabiddon said the issue of human smuggling started way back in the 60s when a group based in Middle East used to sign illegal agreements with illiterates on the pretext that they wanted to take their children, especially the young girls into the Diaspora.

"Most of those agreements are fraud as the girls are enslaved or manhandled with impunity," Gabiddon said.
He said the foreign and local press used to attack the issue but the governments in those days paid less attention to it.

He accused Ghanaian businessmen, ECOMOG and Unamsil personnel and some diplomats of involving in trading human beings.

Hon. Haja Hafsatu Kabba of the All Peoples Party (APC) said women and children are usually trafficked because of their vulnerability.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200506160683.html