The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) reaffirms its unwavering Zero Tolerance stance on the use, trafficking, and proliferation of drugs across Liberia.
The Ministry finds it particularly worrisome reports indicating that women and children are increasingly being seen as targets for peddling and trafficking drugs. This disturbing trend not only exposes vulnerable groups to legal and physical danger but also deepens the cycle of abuse, exploitation, and violence within communities.
The Ministry of Gender emphasizes that all measures to clamp down on the spread of such harmful activities must be carried out in strict accordance with the law, and that alleged drug peddlers must be treated without regard to gender.
MoGCSP stresses that accountability must be enforced equally, whether male or female, as the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting all Liberians, especially women and children, from the devastating impact of drugs on individuals, families, and communities.
It is deeply concerning that while women and girls remain disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, there are increasing reports of women allegedly being used as conduits for trafficking harmful substances.
MoGCSP underscores that these actions directly undermine national efforts to protect and empower women and girls. Women cannot serve as conveyors of destruction that perpetuate the very violence and abuse from which we strive to protect them.
Drug trafficking has contributed to the alarming rise in substance abuse among our youthful populace, exposing them to depression, despair, and robbing them of a future full of promise and opportunity.
In light of these troubling realities, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection urges the Ministry of Justice and all relevant security agencies to act decisively and without compromise in enforcing the law. Justice must remain blind to gender when holding accountable those who jeopardize the safety and well-being of our communities, our women, and the future of our children.
The Ministry further calls on all women across Liberia to take a strong and united stand in the fight against the spread and use of drugs in their communities. These harmful substances have already derailed the lives of countless promising young people, destroying families, futures, and communities.
MoGCSP urges a systematic approach involving government, civil society actors, community members, religious leaders, and institutions of learning in the fight against the proliferation of drugs.
At the same time, the Ministry warns against prejudicing individuals without the logical conclusion of a duly investigated and adjudicated process. The Ministry stands firmly for the principles of fairness, due process, and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Ministry Of Gender, Children And Social Protection-Liberia reaffirms its commitment to working alongside national and international partners, and multilateral systems, to ensure that Liberia is freed from the scourge of drugs and that women and children are protected from all forms of abuse.
Signed:
Communication Unit
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Republic of Liberia
