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

Togo (Tier 2)

Togo is a source and transit country for internationally trafficked persons, mostly children. The majority of the victims are trafficked for indentured servitude or domestic labor to Cote D'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, France and Germany. Saudi Arabia and Lebanon are also reported destinations.

The Government of Togo does not yet fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Togo lacks financial resources and trained personnel to properly address the problem of trafficking and the needs of the victims. While there is no law specifically prohibiting trafficking, other laws on the illegal movement or transfer of children, child labor, and sexual exploitation can be used. Draft laws addressing trafficking, funded last year by the United Nations, are currently under consideration but have not been enacted. The government prosecutes and convicts traffickers, though corruption among border security forces and immigration officials remains a very serious problem. The government devotes personnel in the Ministries of Social Affairs, Education, and Labor to work on prevention and protection issues. In terms of protection, victims are respected and not treated as criminals by government officials and security forces. The government attempts to find the victims' families for reunification, and works with NGOs to provide them with shelter, legal and medical services. Over the past three years, the government organized public campaigns on the dangers posed by child traffickers and the legal penalties facing those who engage in criminal practices. Prevention campaigns were also organized for the Prefects and the security forces. Togo participates in international and regional efforts to combat trafficking, and is one of the West African countries participating in an international program to reduce trafficking in children.