By James T. Brooks
MONROVIA – Liberia’s Justice Minister and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has disclosed ongoing efforts to prosecute human trafficking cases across Grand Gedeh, Grand Cape Mount, and Montserrado Counties. The move strongly reaffirms the Boakai administration’s commitment to protecting victims and ensuring perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Refugee Day in Paynesville on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Cllr. Tweh said the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. remains fiercely determined to combat human trafficking and other forms of exploitation, stressing that authorities will leave no stone unturned in bringing offenders to justice.
The event, organized by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) in collaboration with the Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Support Initiative, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and members of the refugee community. While World Refugee Day is recognized globally on June 20, the 2026 edition was celebrated on June 17 in Liberia because the official date falls on a Saturday, when government offices do not operate.
Observed annually, World Refugee Day honors millions of people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and protection. This year’s local commemoration was held under the dual themes, “Solidarity with Refugees” and “Stop Irregular Migration,” highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address both forced displacement and human trafficking.
For his part, LRRRC Executive Director Jeror Cole Bangalu paid tribute to the resilience and contributions of refugees and displaced persons around the world, noting that millions have been driven from their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, and severe human rights abuses. Bangalu reflected on Liberia’s own history, recalling how thousands of Liberians sought refuge in neighboring countries during the civil war and received vital support and protection. He noted that this firsthand historical experience continues to shape Liberia’s longstanding tradition of deep hospitality and compassion toward people seeking safety.
Bangalu emphasized that the growing regional concern over irregular migration and human trafficking demands stronger public awareness alongside the rapid expansion of safe, legal migration pathways to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. He added that the LRRRC is collaborating closely with the Government of Liberia, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to strengthen protection systems, improve migration governance, and promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced populations.
Also addressing the gathering, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, encouraged refugees to remain hopeful and resilient despite the vast challenges they face. She urged refugees to advocate for themselves and pursue opportunities that promote dignity and self-reliance, emphasizing that displacement should never define their future. Umutoni assured attendees that their present circumstances are temporary, and called for comprehensive global solutions that foster unity, inclusion, and long-term stability for refugee communities.
This year’s World Refugee Day celebration served as a renewed call for solidarity with refugees and stronger institutional efforts to curb irregular migration and human trafficking, while firmly reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting humane, sustainable solutions.