Madam Siobhán Mullally, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, has called on Liberia to prioritize prevention of trafficking in its development agenda and take concerted action to counter labour and sexual exploitation that particularly affect women and girls.
Speaking Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at One UN House while concluding a 10-day official visit to the country, Madam Mullally said that prioritizing prevention of human trafficking 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.
She at the same time encouraged the Government of Liberia and relevant stakeholders to firmly situate prevention of trafficking in persons and accountability within the wider development context.
According to her, 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 UN Special Rapporteur said assistance and protection services for victims are very limited, particularly in rural areas and at border crossings, and 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, underlining the need to combat impunity for such crimes,” she said.
The UN expert also 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.
During her stay in Liberia, she observed that women and girls in particular, are victims of forced labor and sexual exploitation in high-risk sectors such as domestic work, agriculture and illicit mining.
She said risks of trafficking for forced labor and child labor 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,” Mullally 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.
Madam Mullally said these mechanisms will allow for strengthened rule of law, administration of justice, and accountability for conflict-related trafficking.
The UN Expert also called for action to ensure effective investigations, and access to justice, prioritizing the rights of victims and ensuring victim and witness protection measures.
By Prince Saah
