The assessment report on “Anti-Trafficking Gaps, Needs and Transferrable Practices in the ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania” is the outcome of extensive research directed by the Rabat Process Secretariat. Indeed, the fight against trafficking in human beings is a top priority for the 15 ECOWAS Member States and for Mauritania. It is also a commitment that all Rabat Process partner countries have taken under the Marrakesh Declaration and Action Plan, as well as the Joint Valletta Action Plan.

Gaining a better understanding of challenges and responses to trafficking in human beings

This first-ever assessment responds to the Dialogue’s mandate to support partner countries in gaining a better understanding of challenges and responses to trafficking in human beings while providing them with the opportunity to capitalise on successful regional experiences. In line with this commitment, the Rabat Process Secretariat, which is implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), was tasked with this assessment. The evaluation involving desk research, consultations and interviews with a wide range of anti-trafficking stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, international and regional organisations was carried out by ICMPD’s Anti-trafficking Programme research team.

An analysis of regional challenges and toolbox of promising practices

The assessment analyses national and regional challenges related to the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of victims and prosecution of traffickers. All this, while discussing mechanisms for strengthening national and transnational cooperation in the combat of such crime. Indeed, one of the main findings of the assessment highlights how poor communication between the national authorities in the sub-region often leads to inconsistent referral and inadequate protection of victims.

In addition, the report offers a toolbox presenting a collection of promising practices with analyses of their replicability in different contexts. The report will be an important tool to guide ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania on their resolutions towards improving the support and services to victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Main sections at a glance

The main sections of the assessment report include:

  • Trends in trafficking in persons in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania
  • Anti-trafficking legal and policy framework at national, regional and international levels
  • International and regional cooperation mechanisms for victim protection and the prosecution of traffickers
  • National cooperation mechanisms for victim protection and the prosecution of traffickers
  • Protection and social inclusion of trafficked people
  • Transferable practices – a toolbox

Download:

“Assessment of Anti-Trafficking Gaps, Needs and Transferrable Practices in the ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania” – Rabat Process Secretariat 2020