October 18, 2017
According to a press statement from EU, GOAL in partnership with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) and World Hope International (WHI,) will cooperate closely with the EU doles 1.1m Euro to fight child labour
By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
In observance of the 11th EU Anti-Trafficking Day ,the European Union and the international NGO,Goal have signed a new 30 months project funded with Euros 1.1 million, to fight child Government of Sierra Leone to improve the legal environment to protect Sierra Leoneans against the worst forms of child labour and trafficking in persons, adding that they will work with informal sector workers and employers to improve the work environment, particularly for trades relevant to women and youth.
According to the release, they will work at community level in areas most vulnerable to human trafficking, whilst GOAL and partners will engage with community structures and local authorities to improve the identification, referral, and the support of victims of the worst forms of child labour and trafficking in people’s cases.
EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens,said: “Today’s signature is proof of the EU’s on-going efforts to eradicate human trafficking and the worst forms of child labour. We are glad to support GOAL and its partners in protecting the human dignity and rights of some of the most vulnerable parts of the Sierra Leonean society against exploitation.”
Anna Fraenzel, GOAL Country Director added: “In leading this project, GOAL will bring its wealth of expertise working with vulnerable adults and children in Sierra Leone. The project will also draw on the SLLC’s deep understanding of the informal economy and decent work agenda, as well as its strong links with unions across the country, and its work on legislative reform, as well as WHI’s long history in Sierra Leone working to combat trafficking in persons.”
‘’Today marks the EU’s Anti Trafficking Day, when the EU and its partners call for intensified efforts to eradicate the practice of human trafficking. Trafficking in human beings is a grave violation of human rights and a serious form of organised crime that exists globally, and Sierra Leone is no exception. The EU Anti-Trafficking Day was established in 2007. Ever since, 18 October is marked with events across the EU, bringing together all relevant actors working for eradicating trafficking in human beings,” the release noted.
The project is financed by the European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy (EIDHR) which enhances respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms through partnering, mainly with civil society organisations, human rights defenders and victims of repression and abuse. The EIDHR further supports, develops and consolidates democracy in third countries.