U.S. Department of State 2003 Trafficking in Persons Report - Liberia

Liberia (Tier 3)

Liberia is a source and destination country for trafficked persons, and also has a significant internal trafficking problem. The government and rebel forces in Liberia forcibly conscript men, women, and children to serve as porters, forced laborers, combatants, and sex slaves. The use of child soldiers is widespread, and many are sent into conflicts in neighboring countries, such as Cote D'Ivoire. The government forcibly recruits conscripts from displaced persons' camps. Anecdotal evidence indicates that Liberian rebel forces may traffick men, women, and children into Liberia from displaced persons' camps in Guinea. Government officials reportedly use forced labor on their farms and reportedly force children to work in mines and on farms.

The Government of Liberia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so. The government must stop forced conscription and the use of child soldiers, punish those – including government officials – responsible for trafficking, and provide protection programs for trafficking victims.

Prevention

The government does not take action to prevent trafficking.

Prosecution

Although there is no specific anti-trafficking law, the law prohibits procuring a woman or a girl under the age of 16 years for prostitution or immoral purposes. However, the government does not arrest and prosecute traffickers.

Protection

The government provides no protection to trafficking victims. International and non-governmental organizations provide some protection and have created separate and secure areas for children in displaced persons camps.