U.S. Department of State 2003 Trafficking in Persons Report - Benin

Benin (Tier 1)

Benin is a source, transit, and destination country for children trafficked for domestic and commercial labor. Beninese children are trafficked to Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria, Cote D'Ivoire, and Cameroon, while children from neighboring Niger, Togo, and Burkina Faso are trafficked to Benin. Trafficking in persons also occurs within Benin, where the traditional practice of placing poor rural children with wealthier urban households is increasingly corrupted, and many children end up in situations of forced labor. To a lesser extent, Benin is a source country for women trafficked to Europe and the Middle East for sexual exploitation.

The Government of Benin fully complies with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons despite severe resource constraints. Streamlining the prosecution process for traffickers will further improve the government's anti-trafficking process.

Prevention

Government-supported grassroots anti-trafficking public awareness campaigns have been ongoing since the early 1990s, reaching rural villages with speakers, posters, films, radio messages, and presentations by children. A 2-week anti-child labor campaign for unions and a series of meetings with transporters, taxi drivers and motorcycle operators on trafficking were conducted in 2002. The government established and supports local, volunteer vigilance committees to act as watchdogs in high-risk areas for trafficking. Free primary education for girls, rural economic diversification, micro-credit programs, and employment opportunities in road construction are key prevention programs. In September 2002, a leading labor union organized a 2-week "sensitization campaign" against child labor. Benin is one of the West African countries participating in an international program to reduce trafficking in children and a regional plan of action to combat trafficking in persons.

Prosecution

Benin does not prohibit trafficking in persons, although anti-trafficking legislation is in the legislative process. The government actively investigates trafficking cases. In 2002, 27 traffickers were arrested, and 102 children were rescued. From January to April 2003, the government arrested five traffickers and rescued 48 children. The government works closely with nearby countries, particularly Nigeria, Togo, and Gabon, to intercept children being trafficked across borders.

Protection

The government cooperates closely with NGOs to provide shelter, medical care, and legal assistance to trafficking victims. It has provided in-kind assistance to NGOs. The government and NGOs trained local leaders, truck drivers and dock workers on trafficking during 2002. Trafficked children are not arrested, but treated as victims.

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