Monrovia – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has issued a strong condemnation of the increasing wave of violence against children across Liberia, describing the trend as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
By Patience M. Jones
In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry stressed that such acts not only violate children’s fundamental rights to life, dignity, and protection, but also undermine Liberia’s obligations under both national laws and international conventions. Liberia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, both of which compel the country to safeguard the welfare and holistic development of every child.
The Ministry expressed particular concern over a pattern in which children are being removed from rural communities under promises of better livelihood opportunities, only to face abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It further denounced the increasing use of harsh and inhumane disciplinary measures that leave children with lifelong scars.
“Violence against children is unacceptable and must not be tolerated in any form,” the statement read, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and actively monitor the well-being of their children regardless of caregivers’ assurances.
Call for Stronger Action
The Ministry acknowledged the support of the Child Protection Network (CPN) and the Liberia National Police in addressing these violations, but emphasized that more collective action is urgently needed at the community level.
The Ministry also called on the Ministry of Justice to ensure that all perpetrators of child abuse are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Justice must be served to send a strong message that Liberia will not allow impunity in cases of child abuse and exploitation,” the Ministry asserted.
Commitment to Child Protection
Reaffirming its dedication, the Ministry pledged to work with parents, communities, the media, civil society, and international partners to step up both preventive and responsive measures against child violence.
The statement concluded with a public appeal: “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Violence against children has no place in our society.”
The Ministry encouraged citizens and the media to report all cases of child abuse, trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through its toll-free 116 hotline.
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