Human Trafficking in [Equatorial Guinea] [other countries]
Street Children in [Equatorial Guinea] [other countries]
Child Prostitution in [Equatorial Guinea] [other countries]
 

Child Prostitution

The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Republic of Equatorial Guinea [ Country-by-Country Reports ]

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea [map] is located in W central Africa and includes the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Po), Annobón, Corisco, Elobey Grande, and Elobey Chico in the Gulf of Guinea, and Río Muni on the African mainland. Río Muni, which includes about 93% of the nation's land area and 75% to 80% of its population, is bordered by Cameroon (N), by Gabon (E & S), and by the Gulf of Guinea in the west. Malabo, situated on Bioko, is the capital and largest city. The discovery and exploitation of large oil reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth in recent years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP, although subsistence farming predominates. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect of the rural economy under successive regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth.

CAUTION:  The following links and accompanying text have been culled from the web to illuminate the situation in Equatorial Guinea. Some of these links may lead to websites that present allegations that are unsubstantiated, misleading or even false. No attempt has been made to validate their authenticity or to verify their content.

Quick Search for Missing Children - Select Gender, Country, and Years Missing

National Plan of Action

U.S. Dept of Labor Bureau of International Labor Affairs

INCIDENCE AND NATURE OF CHILD LABOR - The ILO estimated that 31.3 percent of children ages 10 to 14 years in Equatorial Guinea were working in 2002. Children work on family farms and in domestic service, in street vending, and in bars and grocery stores. There are reports that children also work in prostitution, particularly in Bata and the capital city of Malabo. Children are trafficked to Equatorial Guinea from other countries in West and Central Africa, particularly Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin. Girls are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, while boys are forced to work as farmhands and street hawkers. Boys trafficked from Nigeria reportedly work in market stalls in Bata without pay or personal freedom.

Bur of Democracy, Human Rights & Labor - Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005

CHILDREN - Children suffered poor health and had a high mortality rate. The government provided very little health care, but boys and girls have equal access to what was offered. Child abuse is illegal, but the government did not enforce the law effectively. Child abuse occurred. Child prostitution existed but was rare.

Concluding Observations Of The Committee On The Rights Of The Child (CRC) - 2004

[58] The Committee is concerned at the growing number of child prostitutes in the streets of the State party’s capital. It is also concerned that the State party’s report lacks specific data on sexual exploitation and trafficking of children and information on legislation on sexual exploitation.

Equatorial Guinea reporting to the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) - 2005

SEXUAL TRAFFICKING - The Committee noted that sexual violence and trafficking has been reported in Equatorial Guinea. They also stated the need to raise awareness of the consequences of exploitation and as well as to apply international legal measures. The Delegation agreed that the area is one of great concern and authorities will be involved in international and regional initiatives.

Child Labor Increasing in Equatorial Guinea

The crisis in the educational sector is said to be the single most important reason behind the worrying increase of prostitution and alcohol consumption by school age juveniles in the country. The daily newspaper in an article earlier this year pointed out that, the youngsters whom they had consulted justified their actions because there was a lack of necessary economic means to survive. According to the same newspaper, "sex has turned into the principal trade of the youth".

Prostitution Booms In Equatorial Guinea As Education Sector Folds Up

According to the Equatorial Guinean opposition, the lack of educational infrastructure, deficiencies in the existing school system and the absence of an economic future cause youngsters to fall into prostitution, where money can be made quickly. Furthermore, many of the girls between 15 and 20 pass their exams by giving sexual services or by paying their teachers.

Report on the human rights situation in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea submitted by the Special Representative of the Commission, Mr. Gustavo Gallón, pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 2001/22 [DOC]

[79] The Minister of Health and the Minister of Social Affairs admitted to the Special Representative that there has a been a marked increase in the presence of child prostitutes in the streets of the capital as a result of the arrival of growing numbers of foreigners who work on the drilling platforms.

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Human Trafficking in [Equatorial Guinea] [other countries]
Street Children in [Equatorial Guinea] [other countries]
Child Prostitution in [Equatorial Guinea] [other countries]