Celebrate Liberian children each day

-Abraham Kieta

The winner of the International Children Peace in Liberia Abraham Kieta, is calling on the Government of Liberia to celebrate Liberian children every day instead of once a year during commemoration of the Day of the African Child.

Speaking on UNMIL Radio Thursday, Kieta, a young ambassador, said children in Liberia are faced with so many challenges that Government needs to address. He also stressed these challenges should be addressed every day, adding that the children in Liberia are faced with, prostitution, child trafficking, child labor, domestic violence, including rape.

Observing the International Children’s day on Thursday, 16 June in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County under the theme “Crisis and Conflict in Liberia providing a safe space for children”, he said most parents abuse children in Liberia by sending them in the streets to sell and become breadwinners of the family.

Kieta noted law protecting children’s right in the country are not effective. He said numerous appeals have made to lawmakers and the entire government, but nothing was being done to strengthen the law. However, he optimistically expressed that Liberians could do better if they embrace the importance of children’s day and make a difference globally.

Kieta recalled that he served as president for the Liberian Children’s Parliament, he pleaded with members of Legislature to enact laws protecting rights of children and his successor has made similar plead, which seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

He said prostitution rate in Liberia is on the increase with most victims being teenage girls while young boys are becoming drug addicts.

By Ethel A. Tweh-Editing by Jonathan Browne