The National Secretary General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, Adama Kiatamba Dempster, has called on the Government of Liberia to adopt a human rights-based approach in tackling the country’s growing substance abuse and drug trafficking crisis, warning that the nation risks losing an entire generation if urgent action is not taken.
Delivering the keynote address at the 4th Annual Youth Policy Dialogue on Drug Prevention in Liberia on Wednesday, June 24, under the theme, “Addressing Substance Abuse from a Human Rights Perspective,” Dempster said drug abuse should not be viewed solely as a criminal justice or security issue, but as a matter of human rights affecting the dignity, health, safety and future of young Liberians.
He praised the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) and the organizing committee for creating a platform that brings together policymakers, civil society, youth leaders and development partners to discuss sustainable solutions to the country’s drug challenge.
Dempster described the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport as a significant victory for law enforcement, but said the case must also demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
He urged authorities to ensure that all individuals connected to the trafficking network, regardless of their status or political influence, are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Drug trafficking is not simply a crime against the state; it is an attack on the future of our children, public health and national development,” he said.
At the same time, Dempster stressed that every accused person must enjoy due process and fair trial guarantees, warning against selective justice or politically motivated prosecutions.
The human rights advocate also raised concerns about the capacity of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), claiming that nearly 80 percent of its personnel serve as volunteers with limited resources and inadequate equipment.
He called on the Government to strengthen the agency through increased funding, better logistics and improved incentives to effectively combat drug trafficking.
Among his recommendations were greater investment in education, skills development, youth employment and entrepreneurship, expansion of mental health and rehabilitation services, and stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society, schools and local communities.
Addressing young people directly, Dempster encouraged them not to lose hope despite the challenges confronting the country.
“You are not a lost generation. You are a generation of possibilities. Your dreams are bigger than drugs, and your future is greater than addiction,” he said.
He concluded by urging Liberians to choose prevention over destruction, rehabilitation over stigma, accountability over silence, and respect for human rights in the national response to substance abuse.
The dialogue formed part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, youth representatives and public health stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing Liberia’s growing drug crisis.
