In March, Anti-Slavery International helped free four women
trafficked into prostitution in Côte d'Ivoire, resulting
in their safe return home and the prosecution of their traffickers.
The women, aged between 17 and 24, were trafficked from the
Philippines believing they were going to work in France. Instead,
they were taken to Abidjan, capital of Côte d'Ivoire in
West Africa, and forced into prostitution.
Upon arrival, they were told they had to work as prostitutes
for a year for no money in order to pay the US$5,000 each was
told she owed.
Anti-Slavery International also provided information to local
NGOs, lawyers and police which has resulted in the successful
prosecution of the traffickers, Chao Yao Hui from Taiwan and
Lorna Velonza from the Philippines. Both were sentenced on 7
March to six months in prison and were ordered to pay US$10,000
in compensation to each woman. The case is now pending appeal.
The International Organization for Migration helped facilitate
the women's safe return. They are now receiving counselling
and assistance from our local partner Visayan Forum.
In an effort to prosecute the entire trafficking ring, Visayan
Forum is currently pursuing a case against all those involved
in the Philippines.
