(#Monrovia, #Liberia, #September 4, 2025) – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) expresses deepest concern and condemnation over the growing wave of violence being perpetrated against children across Liberia.
These reprehensible acts not only violate the fundamental rights of children to life, dignity, and protection, but they also undermine Liberia’s standing commitment to both national laws and international conventions safeguarding the rights of children.
Liberia remains a proud signatory to key international protocols, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which amongst other things, obligate us to ensure the safety, protection, and holistic development of every child.
The Ministry is particularly disturbed by several recently gruesome incidents and reiterates that violence against children is unacceptable and must not be tolerated in any form.
MoGCSP expresses deep concern over the increasing trend of individuals and caregivers removing children from rural communities under the guise of providing better livelihood opportunities. In many cases, these children end up facing abuse, exploitation, and neglect instead of receiving the promised care and support. While the Ministry continues to offer immediate care and psychosocial support to affected children, we strongly urge parents and guardians to remain actively engaged and monitor their children’s well-being, regardless of who the caregiver is or how genuine their intentions may seem.
The Ministry of Gender insist that the deliberate and inhumane treatments inflicted on children under the guise of “disciplinary measures” must be abolished. Such cruelty leaves children with lifelong scars and betrays the trust and duty of care that adults owe to them.
The Ministry extends appreciation to the Child Protection Network (CPN) and the Liberia National Police for their ongoing coordination and support. However, we stress that more needs to be done collectively across our communities to protect children.
We call on the Ministry of Justice to ensure that all child rights violators 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 MoGCSP assures the public of its unwavering commitment to work with parents, communities, media, civil society, and international partners to intensify preventive and responsive measures against child violence.
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. Violence against children has no place in our society, and the Ministry will continue to take decisive actions to ensure that Liberia remains a nation that prioritizes the protection and well-being of its youngest citizens.
We encourage the media and the general public to make use of the Ministry’s toll-free 116 hotline to report all cases of child abuse, trafficking, domestic violence and SGBV amongst others.
SIGNED:
Communication Unit
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
