Ms. Siobhán Mullally, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, has highlighted critical areas for action in the administration of President Joseph N. Boakai’s fight against trafficking and its efforts to ensure peace and Security. During her visit from December 9 to 18, 2024, Ms. Mullally underscored the urgent need for Liberia to strengthen measures to combat trafficking, particularly of women and children, while integrating these efforts into its peacebuilding initiatives.
Central to Ms. Mullally’s observations was the recognition of Liberia’s grassroots peacebuilding initiatives, such as the Palava Peace Huts. These community-led platforms have played a transformative role in conflict prevention, resolution, and empowering women through training and capacity-building activities. The Special Rapporteur emphasized the importance of mainstreaming these initiatives into national policymaking, particularly within the newly established Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court. She called for these programs to be adequately funded, enabling them to further Liberia’s Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Liberia’s National Coalition on Youth, Peace, and Security is equally significant, a government-led initiative to engage young people in nation-building efforts. Ms. Mullally welcomed plans to develop Liberia’s first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security in collaboration with youth leaders. She stressed the need for sustained financial and technical support to these efforts, advocating for increased investment through mechanisms like the Peacebuilding Fund.
On the issue of trafficking, Ms. Mullally highlighted a series of immediate actions for Liberia to address this pressing human rights challenge. She urged the Government to prioritize victim-centered approaches, ensuring access to safe homes, emergency shelters, and long-term support, particularly in rural and border regions. Strengthening child protection services and integrating anti-trafficking measures into broader social protection programs was also essential.
Increased budgetary allocations to combat all forms of trafficking were emphasized as a critical step. Ms. Mullally highlighted the need to integrate responses to trafficking into existing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) programs, ensuring that victims receive comprehensive care. She also stressed the importance of community engagement and awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking, particularly of children for sexual exploitation, using media such as radio and social platforms.
Education was identified as another vital area for intervention. The Rapporteur called for the integration of child rights, gender equality, and information on trafficking risks into school curricula. This would complement ongoing efforts to address sexual violence in schools, particularly against girls, and provide students with tools to recognize and report abuse.
Ms. Mullally noted that to combat trafficking effectively, the independence and capacity of key institutions such as the judiciary and labor commissions must be strengthened. She urged the Liberian Government to address systemic corruption and bolster the rule of law to ensure accountability for trafficking-related crimes. Additionally, labor inspectorates must be equipped with resources and personnel to oversee high-risk sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and domestic work.
Access to justice for trafficking victims remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas. The Rapporteur called for expanded victim and witness protection programs and the establishment of trauma-informed, gender-sensitive legal proceedings. Enhanced investigative capacity, including the use of technology to address cross-border trafficking, was also deemed crucial.
A particular focus was placed on improving healthcare responses to trafficking. Ms. Mullally recommended training healthcare workers, especially those at border crossings, to identify victims and refer them to appropriate protection services. She also stressed the importance of providing information on trafficking risks in indigenous languages and accessible formats for persons with disabilities.
The Rapporteur highlighted the need for a 24/7 national hotline for trafficking victims, which would serve as a key entry point for accessing protection services. She further urged Liberia to address trafficking in forced labor and child labor, particularly in illicit mining and other high-risk industries.
Finally, Ms. Mullally called for enhanced collaboration between Liberia and international development partners to incorporate anti-trafficking measures into broader programming. She prioritized victim rights, prevention, and survivor-centered approaches in all initiatives.
Ms. Mullally’s visit emphasizes the critical intersection between Liberia’s peacebuilding goals and its fight against trafficking. By addressing these challenges comprehensively, Liberia can strengthen its commitment to human rights, ensure justice for victims, and create a safer, more equitable society for all its citizens.
