Liberians ask international community to pressure government to prevent human trafficking

U.S Embassy representative Sally Hodgson, right, collects a petition during a protest near the U.S Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Protesters gathered Tuesday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia’s capital, asking the government to put pressure on Liberian officials to bring back some 60 Liberian young women allegedly trafficked into Lebanon between 2011 and 2012. U.S. Embassy Public Affairs director Sally Hodgson said the embassy received the petition and they were already engaged with the Liberian authorities. (AP Photo/Abbas Dulleh) (The Associated Press)

People protest near the U.S Embassy against the alleged trafficking of Liberian woman in Monrovia, Liberia, Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Protesters gathered Tuesday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia’s capital, asking the government to put pressure on Liberian officials to bring back some 60 Liberian young women allegedly trafficked into Lebanon between 2011 and 2012. (AP Photo/Abbas Dulleh) (The Associated Press)

MONROVIA, Liberia – Protesters have gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia's capital, asking it to put pressure on Liberian officials to bring back some 60 young Liberian women allegedly trafficked into Lebanon between 2011 and 2012.

Protesters said the women, aged between 22 and 34, were reportedly lured to Lebanon believing they were going to get well-paid jobs, but ended up being housemaids and "slaves" for Lebanese landlords.

In a statement handed to the U.S. Embassy Tuesday the protesters asked the country for help.

U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Director Sally Hodgson said the embassy received the petition and is already engaged with the Liberian authorities.

Liberia's government has said that some of the girls have been brought back home.