Liberia: ‘Justice Delayed, Rights Denied’: WONGOSOL Warns of Growing Violence Against Women and Children

MONROVIA — The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has issued a strong warning over what it describes as a growing pattern of violence, abuse, and weak protection mechanisms affecting women, children and other vulnerable groups across Liberia.

By Patience M. Jones

In a forceful press statement released Friday, WONGOSOL expressed grave concern over several recent incidents that have sparked public outrage and renewed questions about accountability, justice, and the effectiveness of Liberia’s protection systems.

At the center of the organization’s concerns is the alleged public humiliation and abuse of a 58-year-old woman in River Gee County, who was reportedly stripped, assaulted and subjected to degrading treatment following accusations of witchcraft.

WONGOSOL condemned the incident as a gross violation of human dignity and welcomed the Liberia National Police’s decision to investigate the matter.

“The rule of law must prevail over mob justice,” the organization emphasized, urging authorities to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation that holds perpetrators accountable.

WONGOSOL also highlighted allegations made by Madam Fatumata Kolleh, who claims she was violently attacked, pepper-sprayed, robbed and publicly humiliated after being accused of practicing “chichipoly.”

The organization warned that such incidents demonstrate the dangerous consequences of vigilante justice and harmful societal beliefs. Particularly troubling, according to WONGOSOL, are reports that women allegedly participated in the abuse of another woman.

“At a time when women continue to advocate for equality, protection, and empowerment, acts of violence against fellow women undermine the very principles of solidarity and dignity that women’s movements seek to advance,” the statement noted.

Beyond these incidents, the organization raised serious concerns over the reported sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy whose mother alleges that her son has been abandoned by institutions responsible for his care and protection. WONGOSOL described reports of the child’s ongoing medical complications and lack of support as deeply alarming.

The advocacy group further called attention to the unresolved status of the widely publicized Toni Jackson case, stressing that prolonged silence and delays risk eroding public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.

According to WONGOSOL, these incidents are not isolated events but rather symptoms of broader challenges, including harmful social norms, gender-based violence, weak institutional responses, impunity and barriers to justice.

The organization is urging the Government of Liberia(GoL), the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Judiciary and other relevant institutions to move beyond public statements and take decisive action.

Among its key recommendations are immediate and independent investigations, swift prosecution of offenders, comprehensive support services for survivors, stronger institutional accountability, regular public updates on ongoing cases, and intensified efforts to combat mob violence, witchcraft-related accusations and gender-based violence.

WONGOSOL grounded its call in both Liberia’s Constitution and international human rights commitments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol.

“No woman should be humiliated because of accusations or harmful stereotypes. No child should suffer abuse and be left without protection and care. No victim should be denied justice,” the organization declared.