The Government of Liberia through the Ministries of Justice and Gender, Children & Social Protection – Liberia has embarked on a national endeavor aimed at establishing Liberia’s first Sex Offender Database or Registry.
The database when completed will comprise of information or list of all convicted sex offenders and other associated records of sexual violence across the country.
A sex offender registry or database is a system in various countries designed to allow government authorities to keep track of the activities of sex offenders including those who have completed their criminal sentences.
Sex offender registration is usually accompanied by residential address notification requirements. At a technical meeting held at the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday, May 4, 2023, both ministries provided cogent analysis on how the online platform should be designed and what other application or features must be included.
The meeting brought together senior managers of both ministries as well technicians as they brainstormed on the possibility and expectation of the platform.
In many jurisdictions, registered sex offenders are subject to additional restrictions amongst others.
South Africa is one of the first countries on the continent of Africa to have established the Sex Offenders’ Registry. On November 25, 2019, Nigeria launched its online national Sexual Offender Register to help members of the public and security agencies conduct background checks and identify sex offenders.
When completed, Liberia will become the newest African country to have initiated an online platform digitizing related Sex Offenders’ information.
Kenya, Botswana and Rwanda are few African countries already taking steps or have initiated a sex offender database or registry
