United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Siobhan Mullally has reported alarming conditions surrounding sexual exploitation and child trafficking in Liberia.
The report presented to the Human Rights Council highlights systemic failures in addressing the vulnerabilities of sex workers and the widespread trafficking of children, particularly girls, for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
The Special Rapporteur found that sex work is notably prevalent in palm oil and rubber plantations, urban centers, particularly Monrovia, as well as in border regions with high economic activity.
Reports indicate that individuals engaged in commercial sex work face significant health risks, exploitation, and discrimination, often being excluded from essential social services, including healthcare programs aimed at HIV/AIDS treatment.
Mullally emphasized the urgent need for the Liberian government to enhance its efforts in combating sexual and gender-based violence. While the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has developed initiatives to bolster access to justice and improve victim protection services, there remains a critical need to integrate anti-trafficking measures into broader efforts to address sexual exploitation.
Concerns regarding the trafficking of children echoed throughout the report, illustrating that particularly vulnerable groups such as girls from poor rural areas are at elevated risk for trafficking into urban settings for various exploitative purposes, including sexual exploitation.
The report paints a grim picture of the law enforcement landscape, where a perceived tolerance towards the sexual exploitation of children has created an environment of impunity.
“It is alarming that despite the recognized prevalence of child trafficking, there is still a significant lack of action from law enforcement and government bodies,” Mullally stated.
The report notes that many children living in rural areas are relocated to urban centers under informal arrangements that can lead to trafficking, particularly when these children remain out of school.
The Special Rapporteur’s findings underline the serious shortcomings in Liberia’s child protection systems, exacerbated by poverty and gender inequality.
The lack of adequate resources and staffing within child protection services further complicates the situation, making it nearly impossible to provide comprehensive assistance for child-trafficking victims.
Mullally also pointed to the troubling intersection of child exploitation and sexual harassment in educational settings, revealing a prevalent culture of “sex for grades” that further entrenches discrimination against girls and perpetuates cycles of exploitation.
The report highlights the need for community engagement in preventing child trafficking, enhanced monitoring of domestic situations, and the establishment of effective prosecution mechanisms for perpetrators. Addressing corruption at border checkpoints, improving training for border agents, and reinforcing comprehensive child protection measures are paramount to dismantling trafficking networks.
Despite identifying initiatives aimed at improving child registration and social support, such as the “Support a Child, Save the Future” program, the Special Rapporteur reiterated a call for sustained investment from the government and development partners.
Mullally underscored that any effective response must actively involve survivors in shaping the programs designed to protect vulnerable populations, ensuring that protective measures for girls and boys alike are both inclusive and actionable.
