By: Problyn J. Alpha
The National Coordinator African Programing research initiative to end slavery in Sierra Leones has said that 33% (Thirty Three Percent) of children have experienced trafficking in Kaliahun District.
Umar Fofanah made the statement in a week long awareness raising campaign with opinion leaders to end trafficking in Kaliahun District.
He noted that the rationale behind the week-long awareness raising and campaign was to school the Fifteen Paramount chiefs in Kaliahun District on and to highlight the dangers and signs of child trafficking and how to protect Children from the said menace.
Umaru Fofanah maintained that the engagement with the fifteen Paramount Chiefs is also expecting them to develop a bye-law that will help promote and protect the welfare and rights of children in the District.
He intimated all present that the awareness raising campaign to end trafficking in the country especially Kaliahun District has political will backing, noting that the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and his vice are supportive of their work and urged all to put hands on deck to end child trafficking.
The National coordinator African Programing Research initiative to end slavery in Sierra Leone pointed out that their recent research states that at least 15.5% of Children without parents in Kaliahun District are exposed to trafficking.
Meanwhile it was on that back drop that Mr. Fofanah noted that anyone found wanting of child trafficking will face the full penalty of the law and will serve as foster parents of the victim or victims whilst residing at a safe home in Freetown.
Concluding Umaru Fofanah pleaded with the Paramount Chiefs in Kaliahun District to be proactive in protecting the Children by formulating bye laws in the interest of the Children.
