Madagascar - On Thursday in Antananarivo, the government of Madagascar formally presented its National Action Plan to fight Trafficking in Persons within and from Madagascar.

The event, presided by his Excellency Mr. Jean Ravelonarivo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Madagascar, was attended by senior officials from the President’s Office and the National Assembly, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Internal Security, Justice, Public Service, and Labor, Ambassadors from the United States of America, Switzerland, and delegates from the Embassies of the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, Heads of Agencies from the United Nations Systems, as well as representatives from the judiciary, civil society, and the private sector.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Ravelonarivo reiterated the commitment of his government, expressing that “trafficking in persons is a horrendous reality, and we ought to do everything necessary to eradicate it”. The Prime Minister further called for “the participation of all stakeholders towards a multi-sectoral and coordinated response adapted to the Malagasy context”.

According to reports from the U.S. State Department and the United Nations (UN), Malagasy citizens are trafficked both internally and internationally. Children, trafficked internally and primarily from rural areas, are subjected to domestic servitude, prostitution, forced begging, and forced labor in the mining, fishing, and agriculture sectors.

Women and men, who are trafficked both within Madagascar and internationally, face labor and sexual exploitation. Numerous victims returning from the sub-region and the Gulf countries have reported rape, psychological abuse, physical torture and violence, sexual harassment and assault, harsh working conditions, confinement to the home, confiscation of travel documents, and withholding of salaries.

The elaboration of this 5-year strategy document was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), complemented by funds received from the IOM Development Fund. This activity is part of a larger intervention aiming at improving national coordination on human trafficking; achieving greater awareness about human trafficking, strengthening protection for victims, with a focus on women and children, and supporting coordination between Madagascar, destination, and transit countries.

“The strong attendance today highlights how momentous tackling trafficking in persons has become in the country, and demonstrates the commitment to undertake coordinated actions to prevent trafficking in persons, enhance victims’ protection, and fight against traffickers’ impunity. We are proud to be by the side of Madagascar on this important day and look forward to support Madagascar in the Action Plan’s implementation”, said Daniel Silva y Poveda, Head of Office of IOM Madagascar.

For more information please contact

Daniel Silva y Poveda
IOM Madagascar
Tel: +261.32 56 54 954
Email: dsilva@iom.int