U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea (Tier 2)

Children are trafficked internally and from neighboring countries, such as Nigeria and Benin, for bonded labor in the urban and domestic sectors of Equatorial Guinea. To a lesser extent, children being trafficked for domestic labor transit Equatorial Guinea on their way to Gabon. The country's larger cities are a destination, as well as a transit point on to European countries, for women from Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Nigeria and Benin, trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The government does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Equatorial Guinea does not have a law against all forms of trafficking, and while related laws exit, they are rarely used against traffickers. Borders are generally inadequately monitored due to insufficient resources and lack of training for law enforcement authorities. The government has undertaken a project to provide protection and assistance to trafficked and at-risk children, which includes construction of two shelters scheduled to be operational later this year. Over the past few years, the government has offered to repatriate and provide assistance to trafficking victims. The government cooperates with NGOs that provide services to victims and at-risk women and children. In terms of prevention, the government sponsored radio announcements to promote the law forbidding employment of children under the age of fourteen. The government also requested the support of international organizations to finance a national study on child trafficking, and to identify measures for its eradication. Equatorial Guinea actively participates in regional conferences and efforts to combat trafficking in persons.