On November 6, 2024, Cabo Verde marked a milestone in its commitment to combating human trafficking with the National Observatory Against Trafficking in Persons, inaugurated by the Minister of Justice and supported by the OBSERVE-CV Project. With the establishment of the Observatory, the 2023 - 2026 action plan on proactive measures to prevent trafficking, support survivors, and strengthen institutional responses will be implemented.
Human trafficking remains one of the most challenging human rights violations to address, often occurring in secrecy and spanning borders. Certain vulnerable groups in Cabo Verde, especially women and children, face higher risks due to socio-economic challenges. Additionally, the country’s strategic location off the West African coast, close to Africa, Europe, and the Americas, makes it a potential transit point for trafficking networks.
The OBSERVE-CV Project, launched in 2021 with funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Office, has been integral to establishing the Observatory by laying groundwork for international collaboration, streamlining support for victims through formal referral processes, and providing specialised training for law enforcement. Implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in partnership with Cabo Verde’s Ministry of Justice, the project aims to strengthen the Observatory’s institutional capacity, enhance Cabo Verde’s ability to combat human trafficking through a multi-sectoral approach, and empower local actors to improve victim protection and the prosecution of traffickers.
The new Observatory will serve as a key platform for data collection, policy coordination, and implementing anti-trafficking initiatives. Key objectives include:
- Developing, co-ordinating, implementing, and evaluating anti-trafficking policies;
- Producing statistics, data, and studies on trafficking in human beings;
- Coordinating victim protection and assistance strategies;
- Aligning actions to ensure trafficking crimes are addressed in accordance with international standards, including the Palermo Protocol.
During the inauguration, Minister Joana Gomes Rosa Amado highlighted the importance of a collective approach, stating that,
Combating human trafficking demands a coordinated effort from both the state and society. This can only be achieved if all stakeholders work together to implement legislation and policies effectively, aligned with international best practices.
As Cabo Verde is taking significant strides toward a unified national effort aligned with global standard to address human trafficking, ongoing support from the international partners, particularly from the United States and the European Union, will be instrumental in making lasting progress. The launch of the National Observatory sets a strong example within the region, signifying an unwavering commitment to a safer society and the fight against human trafficking.
Official inauguration of the Cabo Verde National Observatory members on November 6, 2024, in Praia. The team pledges to develop strategic plans, co-ordinate actions, and ensure that trafficking crimes are addressed effectively in line with international standards.