Cape Verde Steps Up Fight Against Human Trafficking
Cape Verde is ramping up its efforts to protect its most vulnerable citizens from exploitation. The Platform of Non-Governmental Organizations of Cape Verde (PONGCV) and the National Observatory on Human Trafficking (ONTP) signed a landmark cooperation protocol on Tuesday, establishing a unified front against human trafficking across the archipelago.
A Grassroots Shield Against Exploitation
The three-year agreement aims to turn civil society into a frontline defense. By mobilizing and training community-based organizations, the partnership seeks to empower local leaders to recognize red flags and refer potential victims to the appropriate authorities. The initiative will prioritize those at highest risk, including women, children, migrants, and individuals living in extreme social vulnerability.
ONTP President José Luís Vaz emphasized that the protocol creates a comprehensive framework for action. Key pillars include community awareness, specialized training for NGOs, victim detection, and long-term reintegration support for survivors. The partnership will also focus on data collection to better understand the scope of the problem.
Addressing the Risks of Tourism and Construction
The archipelago’s unique economic landscape makes it a target for traffickers. Officials noted that Cape Verde remains exposed to sexual and labor exploitation, often hidden within the fast-growing tourism industry, civil construction sites, and informal labor markets. Increased migratory mobility has also added a layer of complexity to the crisis.
Felisberto Moreira, president of PONGCV, stressed that the agreement is more than just paperwork. “This must translate into joint field interventions and a greater capacity for victim protection,” Moreira said, noting that the platform’s strength lies in its ability to reach isolated communities across the islands.
Closing the Data Gap
The move comes at a critical time. In July 2025, the ONTP warned that the country lacked reliable data, making it difficult to assess the true scale of the issue. Between 2016 and 2024, only 13 cases were officially recorded, resulting in just one conviction.
To ensure accountability, the new partnership will operate under a strict action plan featuring clear goals and monitoring mechanisms. By measuring the impact of their work across all islands, the organizations hope to move beyond awareness and toward a measurable reduction in trafficking crimes.
The ONTP, which includes representatives from various government and social sectors, serves as the central hub for the nation’s anti-trafficking strategy, aiming to coordinate efforts between the state and the people it serves.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
