Acting Labour Minister, Othello Mansuo, has described Trafficking-In-Person (TIP) as a grave violation of human rights while hailing the dedication and hard work of international partners in ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Liberia.
The Deputy Labour Minister spoke on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at program marking the official celebration of “World Day Against TIP, organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with several local and international partners.
He said grassroots organizations to global institutions, their collaboration has not only strengthened awareness, but has also played a crucial role in providing support and resources to victims of trafficking.
The Labour Ministry official noted that the Ministry acknowledges the concerns regarding the recent U.S. Department of State’s annual TIP Report, which has downgraded Liberia from Tier 2 to the Tier 2 Watch List.
This downgrade, the Minister noted, reflects significant challenges in Liberia’s fight against trafficking, since the ascendancy of the current President Joseph Boakai Administration and the appointment of Labour Minister Cooper W. Kruah as the Labour Minister.
Deputy Labor Mister Mansuo then informed the gathering that the Ministry under the leadership of Cllr. Kruah remains committed to addressing these very important challenges with implementation of several corrective measures to ensure that Liberia regains its standing and makes significant progress in combating this heinous crime among the comity of nations.
“Considering collaboration as pivotal in this fight against Human Trafficking” Deputy Minister Mansuo averred, “we also call upon our international development partners to increase their support and funding”.
“This enhanced financial support”, he continued, “is crucial for intensifying our fight against trafficking and supporting initiatives that protect the rights and dignity of victims.”
Acting Minister Mansuo used the occasion to reaffirm Government of Liberia’s commitment to the fight against trafficking in persons, noting that together with local and international partners adding, “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us and to eradicate this heinous crime in our country.”
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the fight against Human Trafficking” on the grounds of the Labour Ministry at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Earlier, the Keynote speaker, Robert R. Cooper, said every child, regardless of the background or circumstances, deserves to live a better life free from the band of exploitations in keeping with the 2011 Children’s law of Liberia.
“Look around, we see the harsh truth that many children are robbed of their futures, innocence and hopes by the crime of human trafficking and we are calling on all to unite to combat this heinous crime and ensure that no child is left behind,” the Speaker of the Liberia Children Forum noted.
Little Roberto said that the children of Liberia are concerned about the increasing wave of TIP cases and urged the Government of Liberia, through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, local and International partners to take lead along with other child protection actors and the children Forum to amplify the voices, strengthen their in championing the rights of children across the country.
In a special statement read on behalf of the President Boakai, Ms. Benetta T. Konton said despite all challenges, Liberians are heartened by the dedication and resilience of law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners in the fight against TIP.
He promised to implement comprehensive strategies to dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims, and ensure that laws are enforced without compromise.
Miss Konton challenged government to further strengthen national referral mechanisms in ensuring seamless coordination among stakeholders involved in victim identification, protection and rehabilitation as well as providing training for frontline responders and increase the capacity of shelters to provide comprehensive care to survivors of human trafficking.
Several members of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and duty bearers made reaffirmation of commitments to the fight against TIP in Liberia including the Ministries of justice, Gender, Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Health.
Other were the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, the US Embassy, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Hope International (WHI) among others.
