PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Date:Saturday July 25,2026

LIBERIA ANTI-TRAFFICKING AND SCAM VICTIMS SUPPORT INITIATIVE (LATSVSI) CALLS FOR INCREASED ECOWAS INVESTMENT IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION AND VICTIM PROTECTION

MONROVIA, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative [LATSVSI] is reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking, irregular migration, and transnational scam-related crimes through sustained public awareness and victim support.

The organisation respectfully calls on the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] to strengthen regional efforts by investing in comprehensive prevention and public education programmes across West Africa.

Human trafficking and fraudulent migration schemes continue to exploit thousands of vulnerable people throughout the region. LATSVSI believes that public awareness remains one of the most effective and sustainable strategies for reducing vulnerability, empowering communities, and preventing exploitation before it occurs. By equipping citizens with accurate information about the risks associated with irregular migration and trafficking networks, governments and regional institutions can help individuals make informed decisions and reduce the number of victims.

As part of its ongoing intervention efforts, LATSVSI recently assisted in the rescue of more than 25 Sierra Leonean nationals who had been lured to Liberia through false promises that they would obtain travel documents and secure opportunities to travel abroad. Instead, they became victims of an alleged fraudulent trafficking operation and are currently stranded in Liberia without the financial means to return home safely.

The organisation is therefore appealing to the Government of Liberia, the Government of Sierra Leone, ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration [IOM], diplomatic missions, humanitarian agencies, and other development partners to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to facilitate the safe and dignified voluntary return of these victims to their families.

The financial and emotional consequences for these victims have been severe. Many reportedly lost thousands of United States dollars after being deceived by traffickers. In several cases, families incurred significant debt or sold valuable assets in the hope of providing their relatives with opportunities for employment and a better future abroad.

LATSVSI also acknowledges and appreciates the support provided by ECOWAS during Liberia’s response to one of the country’s largest reported human trafficking cases in June 2026. The organisation understands that ECOWAS contributed US$35,000 through the Ministry of Labour to support victims associated with that specific investigation. Following consultations with the Ministry of Labour, LATSVSI was informed that the funding was designated exclusively for victims connected to that case.

While recognising and commending ECOWAS for this important humanitarian contribution, LATSVSI respectfully encourages regional partners to consider expanding future investments towards prevention initiatives, public awareness campaigns, community education, and early intervention programmes. Such investments have the potential to protect far greater numbers of vulnerable people, reduce the activities of trafficking networks, and lessen the long-term social and economic costs associated with human trafficking.

Since its establishment, LATSVSI has documented and supported numerous victims of human trafficking, labour exploitation, fraudulent migration schemes, and related scams. Many of these survivors have subsequently been referred to the appropriate government authorities. However, a significant number continue to face considerable economic hardship, psychosocial challenges, and limited access to sustainable reintegration support.

These concerns were recently highlighted during discussions on the Police Dialogue Platform, where participants emphasised the urgent need for stronger collaboration among governments, regional institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners to address the growing threat posed by trafficking and organised transnational crime.

LATSVSI respectfully calls upon ECOWAS Member States, the Government of Liberia, development partners, civil society organisations, and the international community to strengthen collective action through:
Increased investment in public awareness and prevention campaigns across West Africa.
Enhanced cross-border cooperation to identify, investigate, and dismantle human trafficking and scam networks.
Greater protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration support for survivors of trafficking.
Expanded community engagement initiatives targeting young people and vulnerable populations.
Sustainable funding for civil society organisations working to prevent trafficking and support victims.

Human trafficking is not solely a national concern; it is a regional and global challenge requiring coordinated, sustained, and preventive action. Every individual protected through education and awareness represents a life safeguarded from exploitation.

LATSVSI remains committed to working collaboratively with governments, ECOWAS, law enforcement agencies, international organisations, and community stakeholders to advance a safer, more informed, and more resilient West Africa.

For Further Information, Partnerships, or Media Inquiries:
The Liberia Anti-Trafficking and Scam Victims Support Initiative [LATSVSI]
Motto: “Together, Through Prevention, We Can Save Lives.”
Address: 14th Street, Gibson Avenue, Monrovia, Montserrado County – Liberia
Hotline: 08818 24711
Phone: 0775-718-316 / 0886-959-535 / 0880-374-460
Email: info@latsvsi.org / contact@latsvsi.org
Website: www.latsvsi.org

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