Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) expresses grave concern over reports alleging that a staff member of the National Security Agency (NSA) sodomized a fifteen-year-old boy.
The Ministry condemns in the strongest terms any form of sexual violence or abuse against children. Such acts are a gross violation of the Children’s Law of Liberia, the Penal Law, and international child protection instruments to which Liberia is a signatory. Sexual abuse of a minor is a serious crime that inflicts lasting physical, psychological, and emotional harm on victims and undermines the moral fabric of our society.
The MGCSP calls for a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation by the appropriate law enforcement authorities to establish the facts of this matter.
The Ministry emphasizes the immediate need to ensure the safety, medical care, psychosocial support, and legal protection of the child involved. The identity and privacy of the victim must be safeguarded at all times, in line with child protection best practices.
We call on all institutions, including security agencies, parents, guardians, community leaders, and the general public, to cooperate with authorities and to remain vigilant in reporting cases of child abuse.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reaffirms its unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence and will continue to work with partners to strengthen prevention and response.
SiGNED:
D. Webster Cassell
Communications Specialist
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Republic of Liberia
