By: Kabina Kabah
MONROVIA – The National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia has officially begun developing its Third National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), covering the period 2025–2029.
The announcement was made in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, during the opening of a five-day National Stakeholders’ Working Session, chaired by Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., Minister of Labour and Chairman of the Taskforce.
He was represented at the program by Deputy Minister for Planning and Manpower Development, Hon. Steve Kolubah.
Minister Kruah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting human rights and vulnerable populations, describing the action plan as a “roadmap to guide Liberia’s anti-trafficking efforts”.
He emphasized the importance of a victim-centered and evidence-based approach, calling on stakeholders—government institutions, security agencies, civil society, and community leaders—to work together to ensure the plan is both comprehensive and actionable.
The session, supported by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), aims to strengthen collaboration and improve Liberia’s response to the evolving challenges of human trafficking.
Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman underscored the complexities of trafficking, describing it as a modern form of slave trade. He noted that law enforcement must adapt to traffickers’ changing tactics in order to protect victims and prosecute offenders effectively.
Also speaking, Mr. Abubakr I. Zaid, Senior Justice Advisor at the US Embassy, reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to supporting Liberia in combating human trafficking. He called the drafting of the action plan a “pivotal moment for collaborative efforts.”
For her part, Madam Chinyelumugo Okoh, Country Manager of IDLO, stressed the importance of the “Four Ps” of human trafficking—prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership—as guiding principles for the new action plan.
The five-day working session brought together members of the National Taskforce, the US Embassy, ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), international partners, and Labour Commissioners from all fifteen counties.
As Liberia moves forward with this critical initiative, stakeholders remain hopeful that the new action plan will bolster accountability, strengthen protections, and reinforce Liberia’s determination to eradicate human trafficking.
