Monrovia—Liberia faces the risk of potential U.S. sanctions or a denial of support if it fails to intensify its fight against human trafficking, as the country remains on the U.S. State Department’s “Tier 2 Watchlist.”
By:Willie N. Tokpah
This categorization signals the need for heightened efforts to combat trafficking in persons, and failure to improve could result in Liberia being downgraded to “Tier 3,” which would indicate non-compliance with the minimum standards for addressing trafficking.
Such a downgrade would expose Liberia to sanctions or the withdrawal of critical international support, making it imperative for the government, stakeholders, and the general public to act decisively against human trafficking. Human rights groups and anti-trafficking organizations have emphasized the urgency of the situation.
In response to this growing concern, the Democracy Impact Fellowship Program has launched a robust campaign aimed at raising awareness and combating human trafficking across the country.
The advocacy initiative, spearheaded by young Liberians under the leadership of renowned public activist Prentiss T.K. Domah, is part of a broader effort by NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Development in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia.
The campaign, which kicked off on Friday, September 6, 2024, seeks to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking, particularly among youth, and prevent illegal travel that could lead to exploitation.
During a NAYMOTE-sponsored talk show, “Democracy By Radio” aired on OK FM, Mr. Domah, President of the fellowship, emphasized that the campaign is designed to inform citizens about key concerns raised in the 2024 U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons Report on Liberia.
While the report acknowledged some progress made by the Liberian government, including renovations of sites for trafficking victims, it also noted that Liberia remains on a probationary list due to insufficient efforts to meet international standards.
Mr. Domah noted that Liberia’s current standing in the Tier 2 Watchlist calls for urgent action to improve its anti-trafficking measures.
“There are serious concerns that should draw the immediate attention of the government, stakeholders, and the general public to prioritize the fight against human trafficking,” Mr. Domah stated during the broadcast.
The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, mandated by the 2002 Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, evaluates the efforts of over 180 countries to combat severe forms of trafficking.
It also provides insights into the nature, scope, and trends of trafficking within each country. Liberia’s current position on the Tier 2 Watchlist reflects the increasing presence of trafficking networks operating under the guise of offering better livelihoods and educational opportunities.
With human trafficking agencies reportedly on the rise, the Democracy Impact Fellowship Program’s campaign aims to empower Liberians to recognize the risks and help the country avoid the potential consequences of U.S. sanctions or loss of support due to inadequate efforts to curb trafficking.
