In 2009 Equatorial Guinea was principally a destination for children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically conditions of forced labor and possibly commercial sexual exploitation.
In October 2009, the vessel Sharon was detained in Gabon with 285 immigrants aboard, including 34 children identified as trafficking victims destined for Equatorial Guinea.
[1] In 2009 the Government of Equatorial Guinea did not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so.
Under a government-funded contract with a foreign security training company, instructors conducted courses to improve the awareness of military and police officials on human trafficking issues.
The government also did not make efforts - in either a systematic or ad hoc way - to refer victims to organizations that provide short- or long-term care.
In partnership with UNICEF and a foreign contractor, the government provided anti-trafficking information and educational campaigns during the reporting period - principally nationally broadcast radio and television spots to familiarize the general population with human trafficking.
The Prime Minister’s Office directed activities of the Interagency Commission for Trafficking in Persons, which is chaired by the Ministry of Justice.
The government did not undertake any discernible measures to reduce the demand for forced labor or commercial sex acts during the year.