Monrovia, Liberia – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Liberia (GoL) have successfully completed the distribution of various materials to seventeen female victims of human trafficking in Monrovia as part of a joint initiative to improve victim support services and fight human trafficking.
These resources will be used to start microbusinesses that will generate revenue and help them maintain their standard of living.
The initiative, which is part of an ECOWAS-funded project, aims to support trafficking victims in Liberia, according to a release. It also states that the Liberian government received a US$35,000 grant from ECOWAS in November 2024 to improve national efforts against human trafficking and strengthen services for survivors. The Ministry of Labor’s Trafficking in Persons Secretariat is working closely with the IOM to carry out the initiative.
Tamba Siaffa, the IOM Liberia Trafficking in Persons focal person, thanked ECOWAS for its help during the delivery process and the government for its dedication to making sure trafficking victims receive the safety and income-generating support they need.
He emphasized that the victims used almost all of their money to pay for their trip because of the traffickers’ deceit. Additionally, Siaffa stressed that the income-generating activities would help the survivors become financially independent so they can support themselves and maybe their families.
Nonetheless, Siaffa emphasized that helping victims launch their own companies not only boosts local economies but also promotes community growth, which makes the area a welcoming place for all citizens.
“Engagement in meaningful work can positively impact the mental health of these victims. It aids in helping individuals regain a sense of purpose and direction in life, which is essential for emotional healing after traumatic experiences,” he stated.
The IOM Liberia Trafficking in Persons focal person narrated that these activities are crucial not only for the immediate well-being of the victims, but also for their long-term recovery and empowerment.
He added “This support is in addition to the mental health and psychosocial support, medical assistance, and vocational skill training provided to the seventeen survivors.”
Siaffa expressed his gratitude to the victims for their cooperation, patience, and active participation in the process.
He informed them that IOM and the government will conduct a joint visitation to their businesses after the initial six months of receiving their materials.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Labor, who serves as the chairman of the Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia, Nuho Kenneh, the Acting Director of the Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, extended his gratitude to ECOWAS for supporting the Government of Liberia’s efforts in the fight against human trafficking, which includes providing necessary protective assistance to victims of this crime.
Also, the Acting Director of the TIP Secretariat explained that ECOWAS, through the Government of Liberia, is offering victims opportunities to earn their livelihoods, which will aid in restoring their dignity and autonomy.
Kenneh said that the empowerment is integral to their psychological recovery and reintegration into society; adding that many victims experience economic difficulties after escaping trafficking situations.
He noted that the income-generating activities are expected to promote the reintegration of victims into their respective communities.
According to the TIP Acting Director, engaging in productive activities facilitates victims’ reintegration into their communities, allowing them to rebuild social networks and gain acceptance, thus mitigating the stigma that frequently accompanies their past experiences.
“By promoting the economic self-sufficiency of victims, income-generating activities contribute to reducing the susceptibility of survivors to re-trafficking or exploitation,” Kenneh revealed.
He thanked IOM for its steadfast partnership and coordination over the years in the fight against human trafficking in Liberia. He encouraged the 17 survivors to make the most of the assistance provided, thereby empowering them to become successful businesswomen in Liberia.
The ECOWAS initiative forms a part of a broader regional strategy aimed at supporting victims of trafficking across its member states.
Approved in 2024 by the ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, the program addresses key drivers of trafficking, which include conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and pandemics, all of which exacerbate vulnerabilities and hinder anti-trafficking efforts.
The project aligns with the ECOWAS Regional Policy on the Protection and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking in Persons, focusing on enhancing the capacity of member states to provide comprehensive and timely support to victims.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
