IOM Liberia and the Government of Liberia's Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, with support from ECOWAS, provided assorted food and non-food items to 4 child victims of human trafficking in a safe home in Monrovia.
IOM Liberia and the Government of Liberia's Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, with support from ECOWAS, provided assorted food and non-food items to victims of human trafficking in a safe home in Monrovia. Photo credit: IOM Liberia

GOL, IOM Deliver Vital Support To Human Trafficking Victims

By
Fanta L. Keita

In a collaborative effort to strengthen victim support services and combat human trafficking, the Government of Liberia (GoL) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have donated essential food and non-food items to four survivors currently housed at a safe home outside Monrovia.

The assistance package includes rice, vegetable oil, frozen meat, soap, mattresses, pillows, and bed sheets, among other necessities, according to an IOM release dated Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

The initiative is part of an ECOWAS-funded project aimed at supporting victims of trafficking in Liberia. 

In November 2024, the Liberian government received a grant of US$35,000 from ECOWAS to bolster services for survivors and to enhance national efforts against human trafficking. The project is being implemented by IOM in close collaboration with local authorities.

At the official handover ceremony, Nuho Kenneh, Acting Director of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Secretariat at the Ministry of Labor, presented the items to Evangeline Sirleaf, Executive Director of the safe home.

Kenneh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking, stressing that victim support is central to national anti-trafficking efforts and urged the safe home’s leadership to ensure the items directly benefit the survivors and aid their recovery process.

“We will continue to work with our international and local partners to provide protection and assistance to victims while intensifying efforts to prevent trafficking,” he said.

In response, Madam Sirleaf thanked the Government of Liberia, ECOWAS, and IOM for their timely intervention.

She noted that while the donation specifically targets four victims of trafficking, it will also benefit other residents of the shelter, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Also speaking at the event, Tamba Siaffa, IOM’s focal point for trafficking in persons, commended Liberia’s continued efforts in the fight against human trafficking and praised ECOWAS for its financial support.

“IOM remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the government and relevant stakeholders to deliver protection services and ensure effective reintegration for survivors,” Siaffa stated.

The ECOWAS initiative forms part of a broader regional strategy to support 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, including conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and pandemics—all of which worsen 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, aimed at building the capacity of member states to offer comprehensive and timely support to victims.