Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiatives Calls for Increased Investment in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiatives Calls for Increased Investment in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Monrovia, Liberia | July 10, 2026 – The Executive Director of the Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiatives (LATSVSI), Mr. Zokerseh B. Saye, has called on the Government of Liberia to prioritize and allocate adequate financial resources to strengthen the country’s fight against human trafficking. He emphasized that sustained investment is essential to protecting Liberia’s future, particularly as a significant percentage of the country’s population is under the age of 35 and remains vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation, irregular migration, and related transnational crimes.
Mr. Saye’s call comes in the wake of the latest United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which maintained Liberia on the Tier 2 Watch List. The report concluded that while the Government of Liberia has made efforts to combat human trafficking, it does not yet fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and failed to secure any trafficking convictions during the reporting period.

“The fight against human trafficking cannot succeed without sustained political commitment and adequate financial investment,” Mr. Saye said. “Protecting our young people from exploitation is not only a moral obligation but also a national development priority.”

As an institution committed to combating human trafficking, supporting victims of scams, and addressing irregular migration across Liberia, LATSVSI believes the recently concluded landmark human trafficking case involving 57 victims represents a significant milestone in the country’s anti-trafficking efforts. The successful handling of the case demonstrates that Liberia’s justice system can effectively respond to trafficking crimes when law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and international partners work together.

“While this case is encouraging, it should not be viewed as the end of our efforts but rather the beginning of a new chapter in Liberia’s fight against trafficking in persons,” Mr. Saye added. “It has tested our justice system and shown that, through collaboration and determination, traffickers can be held accountable.”

LATSVSI is therefore calling on the Government of Liberia to establish dedicated budgetary support for anti-human trafficking programs, including prevention, victim protection and rehabilitation, public awareness, law enforcement training, investigations, and prosecution of offenders.

The organization also urges the Government of the United States, international organizations, development partners, donor agencies, and the diplomatic community to increase financial and technical support for Liberia’s anti-trafficking initiatives. Such support is critical to strengthening national institutions, enhancing victim services, and improving the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to trafficking in persons.

Human trafficking remains one of the world’s fastest-growing transnational crimes and a serious violation of human rights. Addressing this challenge requires sustained investment, strong partnerships, effective law enforcement, and a survivor-centered approach that prioritizes prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership.

The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiatives reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the Government of Liberia, international partners, civil society organizations, and local communities to eradicate human trafficking, protect vulnerable populations, support survivors, and promote justice throughout the country.

About LATSVSI

The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victim Support Initiatives (LATSVSI) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking, combating irregular migration and scam-related crimes, supporting victims and survivors, promoting public awareness, and strengthening national and international collaboration to eliminate trafficking in persons in Liberia.

Media Contact:
Hotline 08818 24711

Address: 14th Street, Gibson Avenue, Monrovia, Montserrado County, Liberia
Telephone: +231 775 718 316 | +231 880374460
Email: info@latsvsi.org | contact@latsvsi.org
Website: www.latsvsi.org