SENATE CITES GENDER, JUSTICE OTHERS ON GROWING WAVE OF RAPE
By Legislative Correspondent
Liberia-WTVNEWS: The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has cited the Ministers of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Justice, Health, and Police Inspector General to provide valid information relative to the growing wave of rape and other Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) across the Country.
They are expected to appear before the Senate full Plenary
Next Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
The Senate decision is triggered by a communication from Grand Bassa County Senator, Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence.
In her communication, she named recent alarming cases of Rape against minors which has led to the death of some of the victims (children).
“What is even more disheartening is the recent situation involving a 13 year old girl who was raped to death by a 33 year old man in Central Monrovia, and most regrettably, a three year old baby who was also recently raped in the Soul Clinic Community by a 17 year old boy” Sen. Lawrence Communication noted.
Pres. George Weah in 2020 declared rape Rape a National Emergency following a mass anti rape protest across the country.
Since the declaration, cases of Rape continue to skyrocket, with victims and or Survivors being minors.
A SGBV taskforce was established at the Ministry of Gender following the SGBV Conference to respond to the pandemic but Activists have alarmed that more work is needed to ensure access to Justice to avoid compromise of cases.
Sen. Karngar Lawrence re-echoed the need for preventive awareness, access to information and enforcement as possible solutions to mitigate the menace of rape in the Country.
Sen. Lawrence in her Communication recommended urgent steps to be taken in order to minimize what she termed as devilish act. Let’s take appropriate steps to protect women and children against further victimization by these โcold-bloodedโ predators and rapists”.
Senator Lawrence ended by saying, in her Januaryโs Communication, she informed the Senateโs Plenary about an incoming legislation intended to strengthen the implementation of the rape law with coordinated efforts.
