5 Sep 2013

Samoa Labour Dept says human trafficking law shouldn't confuse issues

10:16 am on 5 September 2013

The Samoan Department of Labour says the approach to human trafficking in American Samoa should separate the issues of foreign labour and criminal activities.

The Attorney-General's department of American Samoa has announced it will outlaw human trafficking, as many young Samoan girls are being caught up in domestic and sexual abuse.

The CEO of Samoa's Ministry of Labour, Auelua Samuelu Enari, says there are legitimate needs in many countries for foreign workers, and that should not be seen as the problem.

He says all cases of violence should be pursued by the authorities.

"There are two different issues that needs to be looked into. There's the issue of employment opportunity. If American Samoan individuals or businesses want to bring in foreigners because of their specific needs, and to separate that from this violence issue. They need to be dealt with separately."

The CEO of the Samoa Ministry of Labour Auelua Samuelu Enari.