The Ministry of Labour has called for increased budgetary support to strengthen its efforts to combat human trafficking in Liberia, citing persistent challenges confronting the division responsible for addressing trafficking in persons.
Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper Kruah made the appeal on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, where he underscored the need for stronger institutional and financial support to help the ministry effectively address the crime.
Minister Kruah said Liberia has an obligation, as a member of the international community, to ensure that human trafficking is eradicated or significantly reduced.
He described trafficking in persons as a crime against humanity that has attracted condemnation from international organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United States Department of State.
According to the minister, the division responsible for combating human trafficking continues to face several challenges that require additional financial resources and institutional support to strengthen its operations.
He emphasized that adequate funding is necessary to improve the ministry’s capacity to investigate trafficking cases, support prosecutions and intensify efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Minister Kruah also recalled that Liberia had previously been placed on the Tier 2 Watch List because of shortcomings in its efforts to combat human trafficking, including difficulties in successfully prosecuting cases brought before the courts.
He explained that the designation indicated concerns about the government’s efforts to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in persons, underscoring the need for stronger measures to address the problem.
The Labour Minister stressed that sustained government commitment, adequate budgetary allocations and effective enforcement of existing laws are essential to improving Liberia’s response to human trafficking.
He also noted that the United States Department of State had recognized the Liberian government’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons, although he provided no further details about the recognition during the briefing.
Meanwhile, Minister Kruah addressed information circulating on social media and other media platforms concerning the reported arrest of more than 50 Chinese nationals.
He disclosed that the information originated from discoveries made by inspectors of the Ministry of Labour.
However, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests, the identities of those involved and any alleged labour or trafficking violations were not provided during the briefing.
The minister’s appeal for increased funding highlights the need for sustained investment in the Ministry of Labour’s anti-trafficking operations as Liberia continues its efforts to prevent exploitation, strengthen enforcement and meet its obligations in the fight against trafficking in persons.
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