Committed to combating human trafficking, promoting safe and regular migration pathways, and supporting migrant returnees

The Gambia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries most severely affected by irregular migration and human trafficking, serving as source, destination, and transit country. Most victims of trafficking and those who embark on such dangerous irregular migration journeys, commonly known as the "Back Way", are young people and children, including school-going children and women.

According to The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad, in 2005 alone, 893 Gambian deaths were reported, along with 1,254 people missing, and 46 boats lost, each carrying no fewer than 150 passengers. Hardly any family in the country remains untouched by the direct or indirect impact of irregular migration and human trafficking. These statistics underscore the urgent nature of the issue, not only in terms of human capital loss for the country but, more importantly, the unnecessary deaths, disappearances, permanent disabilities, and psychological trauma. This situation can rightly be described as a public health emergency.

Estimates suggest that nearly 10,000 Gambians are currently in North African countries attempting to enter Europe or have already entered Europe seeking asylum. Support is needed not only for survivors who return to the country, but also for the families left behind by those who have died or remain unaccounted for. In response to these challenges, SFATMO was established to support survivors, returnees, families, and affected communities. At the same time, to work towards addressing the root causes of irregular migration and trafficking in person(TIP) by generating evidence-based insights and developing effective, sustainable intervention aimed at mitigating and ultimately reducing the factors behind the crisis with a view to developing alternative effective and efficient approaches in tackling and controlling it.

The drivers of human trafficking and irregular migration are multifaceted, turning the phenomenon into an "industry" that requires multi- and interdisciplinary coordinated interventions, both from within the country and abroad – originating, transiting and destination countries.

SFATMO’s Mission and Vision

SFATMO’s mission is to work with and support families and survivors through direct assistance and by signposting them to necessary care services and to work with relevant national and international partners and agencies in finding realistic and effective and sustainable solutions to the irregular migration and human trafficking crisis. Its vision is to see a Gambia with zero irregular migration and zero cases of human trafficking. To deliver its support, SFATMO partners with certain organizations operating in the country, including WAYAS and AFET.