By Perry B. Zordyu
MONROVIA-United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons has called on the national government to double-step robust action in combating trafficking in persons across the country.
Ms. Siobhán Mullally said Liberia as a nation should prioritize prevention of trafficking in its development agenda and take concerted action to counter trafficking for purposes of labour and sexual exploitation that particularly affect women and girls.
She spoke recently during a press conference held at the Kofi Anna Conference hall at One UN House in Monrovia following a tense visit to several entities and government officials.
Ms. Mullally noted that it is key in development planning of every nation and a ripe opportunity to strengthen child protection and gender equality across justice, child protection, labour, and health sectors.
The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons further lamented that assistance and protection services for victims are limited, particularly in rural areas and at border ossings, thus craving for an urgent action to expand the provision of safe homes and child protection measures.
“Women and Girls living in mining and concession areas as well as those in street situations are particularly at risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation. Anti-trafficking measures are not integrated into sustainable development agenda.” She added.
Outlining the need to combat impunity for such crimes, the UN Expert stressed that anti-trafficking initiatives should be community driven and designed in close consultation with all affected groups noting that persons with disabilities are not part of discussion relative to trafficking which poised the inaccessible assistance to victims.
The former president of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings maintained that women and girls in particular, are victims of forced labour and sexual exploitation in high-risk sectors adding risks of trafficking for forced labour and child labour in supply chains, including fisheries remain high with limited capacity for inspection and enforcement.
“Inter and intra-agency coordination within the national anti-trafficking taskforce and relevant entities is key. Their mandates should be underpinned by technical and financial support as well as strengthening oversight and labour inspections.” Ms. Siobhán Mullally asserted.
She however commended Liberia for its continued commitment towards accountability and anti-corruption, which culminated in the establishment of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court and strengthened the mandate of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission saying that these mechanisms will allow for strengthened rule of law, administration of justice, and accountability for conflict-related trafficking.
Ms. Siobhán Mullally was appointed as Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children by the UN Human Rights Council in July 2020, to promote the prevention of trafficking in persons in all its forms, and to encourage measures to uphold and protect the human rights of victims.
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