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The United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Ms. Siobhán Mullally, will arrive in Liberia early next week, marking a critical moment for Liberia’s human rights agenda. Scheduled from December 9 to 18, 2024, her visit comes at a time when Liberia faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of children for labor and domestic servitude. This visit aims to spotlight the country’s efforts and shortcomings in combating these grave violations while providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
Ms. Mullally’s mandate, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, is a testament to the global commitment to address human trafficking. As the only international human rights mechanism focused solely on this issue, her role encompasses taking action against violations, conducting country-specific assessments, and engaging with civil society to propose evidence-based reforms. Her visit to Liberia underscores the urgent need to address the root causes and manifestations of trafficking, especially as they affect the country’s most vulnerable populations.
The agenda for the Special Rapporteur’s visit includes meetings with high-ranking government officials, such as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and members of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. Ms. Mullally will also engage with civil society organizations, the Liberia National Police, and international partners, such as the United Nations Country Team. Field visits to Bong County and Ganta in Nimba County will allow her to assess local anti-trafficking measures and interact directly with affected communities.
Liberia’s human trafficking problem is deeply intertwined with its socio-economic and cultural context.
A study by Liberian scholar, Atty. J. Alben Greaves, on child trafficking reveals that extreme poverty, traditional practices like fostering, and weak enforcement mechanisms contribute to the persistence of trafficking. Greaves graduated in November 2024 with a Master of Laws (LLM International Human Rights Law) degree from the University of Galway, Ireland. His final thesis, titled, “Hidden Exploitation? A Critical Analysis of Child Trafficking for Purposes of Labor Exploitation and Domestic Servitude in Liberia”, found that children, in particular, are vulnerable to exploitation in agriculture, mining, and domestic work. The fostering system, while culturally accepted as a way to provide better opportunities, often becomes a pathway to exploitation. Families, driven by poverty, may unknowingly place children in situations where they are subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, or domestic servitude.
Legislatively, Greaves found, Liberia has made strides in combating trafficking. Laws such as the Anti-Human Trafficking Act and the Decent Work Act align with international standards, including the Palermo Protocol and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Amendments to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in 2021 removed the requirement to prove force, fraud, or coercion in cases involving children, simplifying prosecution. However, enforcement remains weak due to limited resources, lack of trained personnel, and insufficient public awareness. These gaps allow traffickers to operate with impunity, while victims often remain invisible .
The economic dimension of trafficking in Liberia cannot be overstated. Poverty affects over 58% of the population, with rural areas disproportionately impacted. Children from these regions are particularly at risk, as families struggling to survive often resort to desperate measures. For instance, children may be trafficked to urban areas for domestic work under the pretext of better opportunities, only to end up in exploitative conditions. The effects of Liberia’s civil wars, compounded by the economic disruptions of Ebola and COVID-19, have further entrenched these vulnerabilities.
Ms. Mullally’s visit will also shed light on international cooperation and accountability measures. Liberia’s classification on the U.S. State Department’s Tier 2 Watch list highlights the country’s failure to meet minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. Cases of trafficking involving fraudulent adoptions and the use of children in mining and rubber plantations have drawn global concern. Strengthening partnerships with neighboring countries and international organizations will be a key focus during the Special Rapporteur’s discussions.
In addition to identifying gaps in enforcement, the visit will emphasize victim protection and rehabilitation. Current support systems, such as safe homes for trafficking survivors, remain inadequate. Ms. Mullally is expected to advocate for comprehensive victim assistance programs that include medical care, psychological counseling, and educational opportunities. Such measures are essential not only for rehabilitation but also for breaking the cycle of exploitation that perpetuates trafficking.
Public awareness will be another focal point. Traditional practices and socio-cultural norms that facilitate trafficking require a nuanced approach. Engaging community leaders and leveraging local networks to promote awareness can play a significant role in prevention. Ms. Mullally’s interactions with civil society organizations will likely highlight the importance of grassroots initiatives in combating trafficking.
The visit is poised to make a lasting impact by aligning Liberia’s anti-trafficking efforts with international best practices. Ms. Mullally’s final report, to be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2025, will provide concrete recommendations aimed at strengthening Liberia’s legislative and institutional frameworks. By addressing systemic weaknesses and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, the report will serve as a roadmap for sustainable progress.
The Special Rapporteur’s visit is not just an audit of the country’s anti-trafficking measures but an opportunity to galvanize action. For a nation grappling with the legacies of conflict, poverty, and inequality, this visit underscores the critical importance of prioritizing the rights and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
