In a significant step towards eliminating violence against children in Liberia, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has constituted a National Steering Committee to lead and coordinate a multi-sectoral national response.
The committee was formed during a high-level meeting chaired by Gender Minister Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, aimed at reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to global strategies protecting children. The initiative also saw the establishment of a Technical Working Group tasked with ensuring coordinated implementation of the country’s End Violence Against Children (EVAC) strategy.
That high-level gathering was held in collaboration with UNICEF Liberia, emphasizing how pivotal stakeholder engagement initiatives of such are key towards addressing the critical issue of child protection.
Minister Horace-Kollie emphasized that the move is critical to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing grassroots engagement in tackling child abuse, exploitation, and neglect. She urged committee members, most of whom are technical staff from various government agencies and child rights organizations, to work closely with communities in addressing the issue.
“This is a turning point in our fight to protect every child in Liberia,” she added. “With this committee in place, we are building a united front to accelerate action and deliver results.”
Every child deserves a safe childhood. In Liberia, where 43% of the population is under age 5 and 63% is under 25, protecting children from violence is not just a priority, it’s essential for the nation’s future.
The latest development follows Liberia’s participation in the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held in Bogotá, Colombia. The conference brought together 1,200 participants and resulted in 113 official commitments from member states, including Liberia. Delegates left the event with a renewed resolve to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.2, which aims to end all forms of violence against children by 2030.
Representatives from key government’s ministries, including Education, Labor, and Justice attended the meeting, alongside child protection partners such as the Child Protection Network and UNICEF Liberia.
The Ministry of Labor was nominated to serve as co-chair of the Steering Committee, joining the Ministry of Gender in leading the national initiative. Other members include the Judiciary and the National Commission on Disability amongst several others.
The Steering Committee will embark on a national strategy aimed at jointly implementing child protection frameworks to create a safer environment for all Liberian children.
