MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia(GoL), through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia, has signed a US$35,000 grant agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Labour on Wednesday, June 10, the Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to combating human trafficking, describing the crime as a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights.
Minister Kruah emphasized that the government remains resolute in discouraging trafficking through prevention, protection and the prosecution of perpetrators.
He noted that while authorities and partners continue to intensify efforts to eradicate the crime, traffickers are constantly developing new methods to carry out their illegal activities.
The Labour Minister stressed the need for additional training of labour inspectors with specialized expertise in trafficking in persons.
According to him, deploying trained inspectors at border entry points and within vulnerable communities will significantly enhance efforts to detect and prevent trafficking cases.
On behalf of the GoL, Minister Kruah expressed profound appreciation to ECOWAS for its continued support and partnership in the fight against human trafficking.
He acknowledged ECOWAS as a trusted ally whose contributions have strengthened Liberia’s response mechanisms.
He highlighted the successful utilization of the first ECOWAS grant of US$35,000, which helped address the urgent needs of 61 trafficking victims.
However, he noted that the growing number of trafficking cases currently before courts across the country underscores the need for increased support from ECOWAS and other development partners.
Minister Kruah also called on the Government of Liberia to allocate additional resources to the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce to ensure the effective implementation of programs aimed at eliminating trafficking in the country.
Earlier, the ECOWAS Officer-in-Charge in Liberia, Dr. Nathaniel B. Walker, described human trafficking as one of the most serious threats to human dignity, human security, and sustainable development in the region. He noted that the crime disproportionately affects women, children and other vulnerable populations while undermining social cohesion and institutional development.
Dr. Walker stated that ECOWAS recognizes that addressing human trafficking requires strong national institutions, effective coordination mechanisms, public awareness campaigns, victim protection services, and preventive measures.
He explained that it is within this context that ECOWAS continues to support the Ministry of Labour as part of the regional body’s collective commitment to preventing trafficking, protecting victims, prosecuting perpetrators and strengthening partnerships among stakeholders.
“For ECOWAS, this grant represents more than a financial contribution; it symbolizes our continued solidarity with the Government and people of Liberia in advancing the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons and promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration across the sub-region,” Dr. Walker stated.
He commended the Ministry of Labour, members of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for their dedication and leadership. He expressed confidence that the grant will strengthen coordination among stakeholders and enhance support services for victims of trafficking.
This marks the second time ECOWAS has provided a US$35,000 grant to support Liberia’s anti-human trafficking efforts.
The first grant, awarded in 2025 and implemented through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), successfully supported 61 trafficking victims, including 57 females and four males. Beneficiaries received a range of protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration services tailored to their specific needs.
The second intervention aims to provide comprehensive assistance to approximately 45 victims of trafficking, including seven girls, seven boys, 20 women and 11 men.
The support will address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reintegration requirements.
The project will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
