Central African Republic - IOM has organized two consecutive trainings to build the capacity of police officers, justice officials and civil society members to assist victims of trafficking in persons (TiP) and respond to TiP cases in the Central African Republic (CAR.)

The project: Strengthening National Awareness & Response Capacities to Combat Trafficking in Persons & other Forms of Exploitation under Prevailing Crisis Conditions in the Central African Republic, is funded by Germany and aims to set up mechanisms in the country to address trafficking phenomena targeting vulnerable migrants, internal displaced people (IDPs) and at-risk communities.

The trainings have informed the 70 trainees about the different aspects of TiP, identification of victims, investigation tools and measures to prevent TiP, as well as services and appropriate assistance to which victims can be referred. The officers were also trained on Central African and international legislation on TiP.

The project has also provided community-level TiP awareness-raising focus groups to civil society members and local leaders identified in the 3rd, 4th, 5th districts of Bangui and Bégoua.

The sessions, organized with the community leaders, local authorities and national NGOs, highlighted the personal benefits of reporting for the victim in terms of accessing appropriate services, but also the benefits for society in allowing authorities to address the problem of trafficking by arresting perpetrators.

IOM is also providing direct assistance to identified victims of trafficking throughout the country. This includes providing dignity kits, family reunification and tailored reintegration plans.

TiP is a common feature in CAR which has been identified as a source, transit and destination country for children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking, for women subjected to forced prostitution, and adults subjected to forced labour.

For further information, please contact Clément Hamon at IOM CAR, Tel+ +236 75116042, Email: chamon@iom.int