Seychelles plans new law to fight against human trafficking

(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles says it is drafting an anti-trafficking bill and a national action plan against trafficking in persons, both of which will be presented to Indian Ocean nation’s cabinet of ministers soon.

The government of the 90,000 population archipelago said in a statement today from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it welcomes and appreciates the critical and conducive discussions on trafficking, “and remains keen on addressing human trafficking shortcomings.”

Seychelles is taking the steps with the help of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and says  that other measures EW planned to boost combat efforts include training workshops, which are to be organised with the cooperation of the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) for people leading the fight against trafficking.

The training is meant for members of non-governmental organisations, civil society bodies and journalists, and is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2014.

The government will also launch a media campaign in partnership with the IOM in June 2014.

The annoucement follows the visit to Seychelles of the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. She concluded her mission on January 31, when she also held a press conference. She called on the Seychelles government to put into place an effective legislative and policy framework, among a series of recommendations to prevent and detect trafficking in persons in Seychelles.