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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia’s Minister of Labor and chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., has called for a nationwide, collective effort to combat human trafficking, describing the crime as a persistent threat to human dignity, social justice and national development.
“Trafficking in persons remains a persistent and complex crime that undermines human dignity, social justice and development,” Kruah said. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the problem through policy reforms, institutional strengthening and multi-sector collaboration.
“Through these efforts, we continue to work toward preventing trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting offenders and strengthening partnerships,” he said.
Kruah made the remarks at the validation of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons, held at the Ministry of Labor in Monrovia, according to a ministry press release issued Wednesday.
He said the new action plan was developed through broad consultations and builds on lessons learned from previous plans. The document, he added, is designed to close existing gaps, respond to emerging trafficking trends and strengthen Liberia’s compliance with national laws and international standards.
The minister noted that the plan is anchored on four pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. He urged members and stakeholders of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force to deepen collaboration to achieve the core objectives of the national fight against human trafficking.
Also addressing the forum, Liberia Immigration Service Commissioner General Elijah Rufus called for increased financial and logistical support to his institution to enable it to better secure Liberia’s porous borders against trafficking in persons.
Earlier, Irene Marshall, office manager of the ECOWAS resident representative to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ continued support to Liberia’s anti-trafficking programs. Assistant Minister of Gender Agnes Marshall emphasized the need for a more robust approach in tackling the trafficking menace.
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