By Kruah Thompson
UNWomen Liberia has commended the Ministry of Justice and security apparatus for their dedicated efforts in addressing gender-based violence crimes in Liberia.
Speaking at the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence brief lighting ceremony held Monday, 4th December at the Liberian National Police Headquarters in Monrovia, UNWomen Country Representative here, Ms. Comfort Lamptey praised the Police for ensuring that perpetrators face legal prosecution.
Highlighting the Police as crucial responders to gender-based violence reports, she emphasized their role in providing a safe environment for women and girls.
She described the Police as critical stakeholders, stressing the importance of their partnership in addressing gender-based violence in the country.
Discussing the global significance of the 16 Days of Activism, Ms Lamptey said violence against women and girls is a pandemic hindering Liberia’s development.
Emphasizing this year’s theme of investing in prevention, she underscored that preventing gender-based violence saves lives and reduces the country’s burdens.
Lamptey expressed gratitude that the Minister of Justice designated the Police to lead the ceremony alongside the Ministry of Gender.
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She hoped this event would inspire a renewed commitment from the Liberian National Police to champion the fight against gender-based violence.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Policy and Research at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hassan Kenneth, also praised the Police for their role in addressing gender-based violence.
Noting an increase in reported cases due to heightened awareness, she emphasized the effectiveness of the referral pathway and appreciated the collective efforts of various stakeholders, saying “So we have worked hard to get survivors of these crimes treated.”
According to her, last year the Ministry of Gender recorded more than 1900 cases of gender-based violence, adding that within the third quarter of this year, they had already recorded 2000 plus cases.
She believes that the reason why the number of cases have been recorded is because they have created more awareness in various communities across the country on how to report GBV cases.
“The referral pathway is working and this is because of everyone’s efforts, the Police, the UNWomen, and actors of the sexual gender base violence taskforce.” She pointed out.
Also, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ms. Sadatu L. M, Reeves, welcomed development partners’ recognition of their work in the fight against gender-based violence.
She believes that this is a sign that the Police role in the fight against GBV has not only been recognized by the Liberian people, but also by “our partner the One UN.”
She thanked UNWomen for symbolizing their commitment with the orange color, signifying readiness to end violence against women and girls in Liberia.
Reeves called for unity in preventing violence, assuring the commitment of all security apparatus, especially female law enforcement, to work towards this goal. Meanwhile, the entire LNP headquarters was illuminated in orange, symbolizing hope for a brighter future free of gender-based violence. Editing by Jonathan Browne
