By By: Staff Writer
In a collaborative effort to enhance victim support services and combat human trafficking, the Government of Liberia (GoL) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have successfully concluded the provision of various materials to 17 female victims of human trafficking in Monrovia. These materials will be utilized to establish microbusinesses for income-generating purposes, thereby supporting their livelihoods.
This initiative is part of an ECOWAS-funded project aimed at supporting victims of trafficking in Liberia. In November 2024, the Liberian government received a grant of US$35,000 from ECOWAS to strengthen services for survivors and enhance national efforts against human trafficking. The IOM is implementing the project in close collaboration with the Trafficking in Persons Secretariat at the Ministry of Labor.
During the delivery process, the IOM Liberia Trafficking in Persons focal person, Tamba Siaffa, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for its support and to the government for its commitment to ensuring that victims of trafficking receive the necessary protection and income-generating assistance. Mr. Siaffa underscored that the victims expended nearly all their resources to fund their travel due to the deceptions employed by traffickers. He also emphasized that the income-generating activities will assist the survivors in achieving financial independence, enabling them to support themselves and potentially their families. Furthermore, Mr. Siaffa stressed that assisting victims in initiating their own businesses not only contributes to local economies but also fosters community development, thereby creating a supportive environment for all residents.
“Engagement in meaningful work can positively impact the mental health of these victims. It aids in helping individuals regain a sense of purpose and direction in life, which is essential for emotional healing after traumatic experiences,” Mr. Siaffa stated. He elaborated that these activities are crucial not only for the immediate well-being of the victims but also for their long-term recovery and empowerment. This support is in addition to the mental health and psychosocial support, medical assistance, and vocational skill training provided to the seventeen survivors. Mr. Siaffa expressed his gratitude to the victims for their cooperation, patience, and active participation in the process. He informed them that IOM and the government will conduct a joint visitation to their businesses after the initial six months of receiving their materials.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Labor, who serves as the chairman of the Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia, Mr. Nuho Kenneh, the Acting Director of the Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, extended his gratitude to ECOWAS for supporting the Government of Liberia’s efforts in the fight against human trafficking, which includes providing necessary protective assistance to victims of this crime. The Acting Director of the TIP Secretariat explained that ECOWAS, through the Government of Liberia, is offering victims opportunities to earn their livelihoods, which will aid in restoring their dignity and autonomy. This empowerment is integral to their psychological recovery and reintegration into society. Mr. Kenneh elucidated that many victims experience economic difficulties after escaping trafficking situations. The income-generating activities are expected to promote the reintegration of victims into their respective communities. According to the TIP Acting Director, engaging in productive activities facilitates victims’ reintegration into their communities, allowing them to rebuild social networks and gain acceptance, thus mitigating the stigma that frequently accompanies their past experiences.
“By promoting the economic self-sufficiency of victims, income-generating activities contribute to reducing the susceptibility of survivors to re-trafficking or exploitation,” Mr. Kenneh elaborated. He thanked IOM for its steadfast partnership and coordination over the years in the fight against human trafficking in Liberia. He encouraged the 17 survivors to make the most of the assistance provided, thereby empowering them to become successful businesswomen in Liberia.
The ECOWAS initiative forms a part of a broader regional strategy aimed at supporting victims of trafficking across its member states. Approved in 2024 by the ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, the program addresses key drivers of trafficking, which include conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and pandemics, all of which exacerbate vulnerabilities and hinder anti-trafficking efforts. The project aligns with the ECOWAS Regional Policy on the Protection and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking in Persons, focusing on enhancing the capacity of member states to provide comprehensive and timely support to victims.
