By By: Domingo Dargbeh;
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Siobhan Mullally, has called on the Liberian government to intensify its efforts to combat human trafficking. Speaking at a press conference at the UN Headquarters in Monrovia, Ms. Mullally emphasized the urgent need to prioritize anti-trafficking measures in Liberia’s development agenda, particularly targeting labor and sexual exploitation that disproportionately affects women and girls.
“This is a critical moment in Liberia’s development planning,” she stated. “It presents an opportunity to strengthen child protection and gender equality across the justice, child protection, labor, and health sectors.”
Ms. Mullally commended the ongoing development of the National Action Plan to combat trafficking, Liberia’s National Development Plan, and the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. She urged the government to align these initiatives with measures to prevent trafficking and ensure accountability within the broader development context.
The Special Rapporteur expressed concern that anti-trafficking measures are not sufficiently integrated into Liberia’s sustainable development agenda. She noted that shared strategic goals, such as improved child protection services, access to education and healthcare, and the empowerment of women and girls, remain underdeveloped in addressing trafficking.
Ms. Mullally highlighted the limited assistance and protection services for trafficking victims, particularly in rural areas and border regions. She stressed the urgent need to expand safe homes and enhance child protection measures.
“Anti-trafficking initiatives must be community-led and developed in close consultation with affected groups,” she said. “Too often, persons with disabilities are excluded from discussions, and accessible assistance and protection services are not provided. Victims’ lived experiences should inform the response to trafficking.”
The expert also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination within the National Anti-Trafficking Taskforce and other relevant agencies. She called for increased technical and financial support to underpin their mandates, as well as enhanced oversight and labor inspections.
Additionally, Ms. Mullally urged authorities to ensure effective investigations and access to justice for victims. She called for prioritizing victims’ rights and implementing robust witness and victim protection measures.
Her visit highlights the need for Liberia to address trafficking as a core part of its development strategy, focusing on prevention, protection, and accountability.
