Liberia: Seven Trafficked Liberians Repatriated From Myanmar With IOM Support

19 May 2025
The Liberian Investigator (Monrovia)
By Nyantee S. Togba

Harbel — The Liberian government, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has repatriated seven Liberian nationals who were victims of human trafficking and had been stranded in Myanmar.

The group arrived safely at Roberts International Airport in Margibi County over the weekend aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, following what officials described as a complex cross-border operation. The victims were initially trafficked through Bangkok, Thailand.

Their return marks a significant step in Liberia's ongoing fight against human trafficking, according to government officials.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

A brief welcoming ceremony was held at the airport, where Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cllr. Rosetta Nagbe-Jackollie, received the returnees on behalf of Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti.

"The safe return of our fellow citizens is a priority for the Government of Liberia, and we are thankful to IOM for their technical and logistical support throughout this process," said Jackollie. "We must continue working together to prevent human trafficking and ensure that those who fall victim to it are not left behind."

She also commended Liberia's diplomatic mission in the People's Republic of China for its coordination role in securing the safe passage of the victims.

Deputy Executive Director for Operations at the Liberia Refugee, Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Joseph Boye Cooper, reaffirmed the government's commitment to helping the returnees reintegrate.

"On behalf of the LRRRC, I want to assure our brothers and sisters that Liberia is home," said Cooper. "We will continue to support you as you resettle and rebuild your lives. Your safety and dignity remain paramount."

The LRRRC, in collaboration with IOM, has developed a reintegration plan that includes psychosocial counseling, livelihood support, and community-based assistance to help the returnees transition back into society.

Authorities are also urging the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking as part of a broader national effort to curb the crime.

Read the original article on Liberian Investigator.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2025 The Liberian Investigator. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.