A Disturbing Trend: Parents Accused of Trafficking Their Own Children
A recent development in Liberia has brought to light a deeply troubling issue—five women have been indicted for allegedly trafficking their own children and those of their relatives to Mali and Burkina Faso. This case, which has sparked widespread concern, highlights the growing prevalence of human trafficking in the country, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children.
The indictment involves 14 children, seven boys and seven girls, ranging in age from eleven months to eight years. The identities of these children remain confidential to protect them from stigma. According to prosecutors, the alleged crimes took place in April, and all five women admitted to the charges. This is the first set of indictments secured by state prosecutors since the release of the 2024 U.S. State Department on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which placed Liberia on the Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year.
The Role of Poverty and Underreporting
Experts believe that the act of parents trafficking their own children or those of relatives is not uncommon but remains underreported. The latest indictments are part of a broader pattern of exploitation driven by poverty and lack of awareness. Many cases follow a similar trajectory: a child is taken from a rural village to Monrovia or another city under the promise of education or a better life, only to end up in forced labor or street peddling.
The indictment revealed that the accused women had previously received “50,000 Liberian dollars ($US250) for resettlement” from an unnamed organization through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. However, they later attempted to re-traffic the children to Burkina Faso for the purpose of exploiting them to receive an International Organization for Migration package. This attempt led to their arrest by Liberian authorities at the Red Light Market, the country’s largest commercial hub.
Legal and Social Implications
The women were apprehended by the Liberia Immigration Service and later turned over to the Liberia National Police. The indictment stated that the accused engaged in deception by falsifying birth records and altering the children’s names to mislead immigration officers. The government claimed that this action put the children’s lives at risk, especially given the volatile situation in Burkina Faso due to political and security unrest.
The children have since been moved to a “safe home.” Despite the legal actions taken, experts warn that the challenges facing Liberia in combating human trafficking are far from resolved. Funding shortages and witness-protection failures continue to hinder anti-trafficking efforts. Prosecutors have struggled to locate victims and witnesses, with some survivors signing waivers refusing to testify.
Government Response and Challenges
The Boakai administration has launched new partnerships and awareness campaigns, including a third National Action Plan on Human Trafficking, validated during a September meeting in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. However, the government faces significant hurdles, including reduced funding and shifting U.S. priorities.
Liberia received international praise for its aggressive response to human trafficking in the past, with $US 230,000 allocated to the effort in 2023. This funding helped support victims’ protection programs, awareness campaigns, and the repatriation of hundreds of women trafficked to Oman. However, the George Weah administration slashed anti-trafficking funding by nearly 90 percent in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential and legislative elections, reducing it to just $US15,000.
The current administration has allocated only $US 40,000 to the anti-trafficking unit in 2025—a reduction of 80 percent from the 2023 allocation. Advocates argue that without an urgent funding boost, Liberia risks sliding further backward in its fight against human trafficking.
The Road Ahead
As the trial of the five indicted women begins, advocates say the outcome will be a test of Liberia’s commitment to combating human trafficking. The challenge lies not only in the courtroom but also in rebuilding public trust, protecting victims, and restoring resources that once contributed to Liberia’s brief but celebrated progress.
Princess Taire, social protection program manager at World Hope International, emphasized the need for emergency funding to support anti-trafficking efforts. She called for increased resources to run activities related to victims’ protection, awareness, and other critical initiatives.
Despite strong laws, the effectiveness of Liberia’s anti-trafficking measures continues to be undermined by systemic issues. The U.S. government has also shifted its focus, cutting aid and downsizing key offices responsible for monitoring and combating trafficking. As a result, Liberia has received no new U.S. funding for anti-trafficking programs.
The case of the five women underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to combatting human trafficking in Liberia. Without significant changes, the country risks losing the progress it has made and facing even greater challenges in the future.