MONROVIA: The ECOWAS Commission, through its Resident Representative in Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah has signed a US$ 35,000 Pilot Grant with the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Labor to support fight against Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) in Liberia.
In line with the agreement, the implementation of the grant will be coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over a period of six months.
The donation is part of ECOWAS’ Pilot Grant to support victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIPS) in the ECOWAS Member States. The grant will contribute to the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Policy on Protection and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking.
The official signing ceremony was held on 6th November at the Ministry of Labor during a National Steering Committee Meeting of the Liberian TIP Task Force in Monrovia.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Nkrumah stressed the importance of deepening the 3Ps of Prevention, Protection and Prosecution.
She noted that as an ECOWAS of the People, the grant was to benefit victims and to enable them with their necessities for living and reintegration of victims into society.
She commended the Minister of Labor for the efforts in combating TIP, whilst noting the need to deepen awareness through a whole of society approach. She reiterated ECOWAS commitment to complement national efforts that impacted the lives of Liberians.
In his statement, Minister of Labor and Chairman of the National Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Task Force, Cllr. Cooper Kruah commended the ECOWAS Commission, through Madam Nkrumah for the support and called for increased support.
He further assured that the Government of Liberia will respect the dignity of human existence and continue to implement all international regulations governing the elimination of human trafficking.
Minister Kruah also informed Ambassador Nkrumah that the Liberian Government has strengthened its legal capacity to deal with TIP cases and promised to support and provide protection to victims of the crime in Liberia.
