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

Ethiopia (Tier 2)

Ethiopia is primarily a source country for women, and to a lesser extent for children, trafficked for domestic labor to the Middle-East, specifically to Lebanon, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Some women, who are lured by the prospect of employment abroad, are subjected to domestic servitude and sexual abuse. There is also internal trafficking of children for forced labor, and abductions of young women and girls for marriage.

The Government of Ethiopia does not yet fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. Ethiopian laws criminalize trafficking as well as enslavement. Victims are encouraged to assist in investigations and prosecutions, and can either file a lawsuit against their employer in the country of employment, or against the agency in Ethiopia that facilitated employment. The government reports that Ethiopian trafficked women have filed many cases upon their return to Ethiopia. No case has come to trial yet. On protection, the implementation of the 1998 Private Agency Proclamation, a law regulating agencies providing employment services abroad has been effective in reducing the number of potential victims by requiring work permits. While the government lacks resources to assist victims, it cooperates with international organizations and NGOs that provide these services. The Ethiopian Consulate in Beirut recently opened a shelter for victims and pursues trafficking claims the Government of Lebanon. To prevent trafficking, the Federal Police have aired weekly radio and television programs to publicize the dangers of working abroad and to provide information on how to obtain work permits legally.