TINA S. MEHNPAINE
Africa-Press – Liberia. The U.S. government has revealed that the government of Liberia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, but it is making efforts to address the issue.
“The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Liberia remained on Tier 2,” the U.S. Department’s 2023 Trafficking in Person (TIP) Report released on Thursday, said.
“These efforts included prosecuting and convicting an official complicit in human trafficking and identifying more victims and referring them to services. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas. Investigations decreased and law enforcement officials continued to lack adequate resources and understanding of trafficking to effectively investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes. Victim services, especially shelter, remained insufficient,” it added.
The report, which was released by the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, assesses government efforts around the world to combat human trafficking and highlights strategies to address this crime and protect the victims.
This year’s report, which is the 23rd edition, includes narratives for 188 countries and territories, including the United States.
“Expand victim services – particularly for victims outside the capital, males, and victims requiring long-term care. Increase efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases, including those involving internal trafficking, sex trafficking, related criminal networks, and officials accused of complicity.”
The report recommends the government to train labor inspectors and social workers on standards of victim identification procedures and the national referral mechanism.
Further, the report calls on the government to improve collaboration between anti-trafficking police units, immigration, labor, and judicial authorities.
“Increase financial or in-kind support to NGOs that support trafficking victims.Train law enforcement and judicial officials on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting trafficking cases under the revised 2021 anti-trafficking law.”
“Increase labor inspections in the informal sector and mining regions to improve the identification of trafficking cases, including child forced labor.
“Increase efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking, including internal trafficking. Allocate financial and in-kind resources to the national anti-trafficking task force. Screen foreign workers, including Cuban overseas workers, for forced labor indicators and refer identified forced labor victims to appropriate services.”
Source: Liberian Observer
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