Buchanan, September 15, 2025 – The Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia and Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr., has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to upholding human rights, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring that perpetrators of human trafficking are held accountable under the law.
He emphasized that the government remains equally committed to building systems that empower survivors of trafficking—restoring their dignity, offering hope, and creating opportunities for reintegration into society.
Minister Kruah’s statement was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister for Planning and Manpower Development, Hon. Steve Kolubah, at the opening of a five-day National Stakeholders’ Working Session for the development of Liberia’s National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The session, convened by the Government of Liberia through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, with support from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), is being held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, from September 15–19, 2025.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Minister Kruah noted that the formulation of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2025–2029) represents a defining milestone in the country’s anti-trafficking efforts.
“Over the years, Liberia has made substantial progress in prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership—progress made possible through the collective commitment of government institutions, civil society, international partners, and local communities,” he stressed.
However, the Minister cautioned that the threat of trafficking remains both real and evolving, requiring renewed dedication and stronger, more coordinated actions.
“The Third National Action Plan is not just a policy document—it is a roadmap that will guide Liberia’s response to trafficking over the next five years,” he stated. “Our interventions will be strategic, victim-centered, evidence-based, and well-coordinated to address both current and emerging challenges.”
Minister Kruah assured participants of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce’s commitment to ensuring that the plan reflects realities on the ground, strengthens national and international collaboration, and reinforces Liberia’s resolve to combat trafficking in all its forms.
He concluded with a call to action: “I therefore urge all stakeholders—government institutions, security agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders—to contribute meaningfully to this process. Your expertise, perspectives, and recommendations are critical to ensuring that the National Action Plan we produce is both inclusive and actionable.”
Also speaking, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Colonel Gregory Coleman, emphasized that national security agencies take the issue of trafficking in persons seriously. He stated that there are numerous issues that all stakeholders must work together to address.
He informed participants that trafficking in persons is a modern form of slavery: “It is a very clever attempt to change how it was done yesterday, and the actors are smart—they are changing their tactics on a daily basis.”
IG Coleman further noted that even investigators are being seriously challenged in understanding current trends. “The front lines are getting tailor-made, and it makes it even more difficult to identify and respond to trafficking activities,” he said.
He added that the development of the Third National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons in Liberia is of great significance to the government and the people of Liberia.
“It is an opportunity for actors to reflect on their roles and consider incorporating all necessary elements—not just for this effort, but also in connection to the ARREST Agenda and the National Security Strategy. All law enforcement bodies must align their strategic plans so that combating trafficking remains a primary focus as activities are rolled out over the next few years,” he stressed.
In a brief remark, the Senior Justice Advisor at the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Abubakr I. Zaid, reaffirmed the collective commitment to ending human trafficking, noting, “The development of the Action Plan marks a pivotal moment for everyone, and we need to ensure that it is successful.”
He added that it is not just a document—it is a roadmap that lays out a comprehensive framework, and all stakeholders must ensure that it meets its objectives.
For her part, the Country Manager of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Madam Chinyelumugo Okoh, highlighted the importance of the event and the five-day deliberation on the “4 Ps” of human trafficking: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.
The session is being attended by members of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia, international and local partners—including the U.S. Embassy, ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), IDLO—as well as civil society organizations and Labour Commissioners from the fifteen counties of Liberia.
