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Liberia must step up action to combat trafficking in persons, says expert
MONROVIA – Liberia must prioritise prevention of trafficking in its development agenda and take concerted action to counter trafficking for purposes of labour and sexual exploitation that particularly affect women and girls, a UN expert said today.
“This is a key moment in development planning in Liberia, and a ripe opportunity to strengthen child protection and gender equality across justice, child protection, labour, and health sectors,” said Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and girls, in a statement concluding a 10-day official visit to the country.
Noting the ongoing development and forthcoming launch of the upcoming phases of the National Action Plan to combat trafficking in persons, the National Development Plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, she encouraged the Government of Liberia and relevant stakeholders to firmly situate prevention of trafficking in persons and accountability within the wider development context.
“Anti-trafficking measures are not integrated into the sustainable development agenda, despite shared strategic objectives, such as strengthened child protection and social services, access to education and healthcare, women and girls’ empowerment,” the expert said.
The Special Rapporteur noted that assistance and protection services for victims are very limited, particularly in rural areas and at border crossings, and that urgent action is required to expand the provision of safe homes and child protection measures. “Women and girls living in mining and concession areas as well as those in street situations are particularly at risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation,” she said, underlining the need to combat impunity for such crimes.
The expert stressed that anti-trafficking initiatives should be community-led and designed in close consultation with all affected groups. “Often times, persons with disabilities are not part of the discussion, and accessible assistance and protection services are not provided. Where appropriate, the victims’ lived experiences should also inform the response to trafficking,” she said.
The expert observed that women and girls, in particular, are victims of forced labour and sexual exploitation in high-risk sectors, such as domestic work, agriculture and illicit mining. She also noted that risks of trafficking for forced labour and child labour in supply chains, including in fisheries, remain high with limited capacity for inspection and enforcement.
“Inter and intra-agency coordination within the national anti-trafficking taskforce and relevant entities is key. Their mandates should be underpinned by technical and financial support as well as strengthened oversight and labour inspections,” the expert said.
She commended Liberia for its continued commitment towards accountability and anti-corruption, which culminated in the establishment of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court and strengthened the mandate of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. “These mechanisms will allow for strengthened rule of law, administration of justice, and accountability for conflict-related trafficking.”
She called for action to ensure effective investigations, and access to justice, prioritising the rights of victims and ensuring victim and witness protection measures.
The expert will present a full report on the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.
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Ms. Siobhán Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
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