Monrovia, Liberia — The Government of Liberia, through its National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, officially launched the Third National Action Plan (NAP) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This strategic framework is designed to intensify the country’s fight against trafficking in persons and protect the rights of vulnerable citizens.
During the launch ceremony, the Chairman of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce and Minister of Labour, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., characterized human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights. He described the crime as a significant threat to the dignity, safety, and overall development of the Liberian people. Minister Kruah reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing trafficking through coordinated, sustained, and people-centered actions.
He emphasized that the administration will continue to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies, specifically the Liberia National Police, labor inspectors, and the joint security apparatus. These efforts aim to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to trafficking across all sectors. Minister Kruah also commended international development partners for their continued cooperation, noting that the government has made significant strides in the arrest and prosecution of alleged traffickers. He expressed optimism that these accomplishments will improve Liberia’s standing in the upcoming United States Trafficking in Persons Report.
Highlighting recent legal successes, the Minister pointed to the conviction and sentencing of five Liberian women involved in the trafficking of fourteen children. He also noted that several cases are currently being prosecuted in Grand Gedeh and Grand Cape Mount Counties. His message to would-be offenders was clear: the government is working to ensure the crime is stopped, and if perpetrators do not cease their activities, the state will intervene to stop them.
Madam Chinyelumugo Okoh, Country Manager of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), explained that the development of the Third National Action Plan is a key component of IDLO’s Phase III project in Liberia, which began in November 2022. The new plan builds upon the foundations of the previous 2019 action plan and is organized around four essential pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership.
Madam Okoh outlined IDLO’s specific focus areas, which include strengthening the capacity of law enforcement and justice sector actors, raising awareness through national campaigns in at-risk communities, and supporting the National Secretariat of the Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce to enhance strategic leadership. She praised the Taskforce members for their dedication to the five-year roadmap and stressed the importance of including the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in the Taskforce to ensure the plan receives adequate funding for successful implementation.
In his remarks, Mr. Nuah Kanneh, Acting Director of the National Secretariat of the Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce at the Ministry of Labour, described the NAP as a strategic roadmap intended to fortify Liberia’s national response. He noted that the plan incorporates a fifth critical pillar—monitoring and evaluation—to ensure the effectiveness of the strategies moving forward.
The launch ceremony was well-attended by representatives from various line ministries, government agencies, and a broad spectrum of local and international partners, all signaling a unified front against the exploitation of individuals within Liberia’s borders.
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