MONROVIA: Liberia’s First Lady Clar Weah has described as troubling and unacceptable, the increasing cases of rape and other forms of violence against women and girls with several resulting to the death of victims.
Reacting to the 2019 first-quarter report released by the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, first lady Clar Weah said she was troubled by the occurrence of such wicked crimes, a flagrant violation of the rights of women and girls.
The report by the Gender Ministry indicates that rape constitutes about 82 percent of the over 800 Sexual Gender-Based Violence Cases recorded from January to March 2019.
A press release from the First Lady’s office condemned rape and various forms of violence against women and girls in the strongest possible terms, describing them as unacceptable.
Madam Weah made reference to recent media report about the alleged gang-rape of a 22-year-old breast feeding mother in Lofa County, while concerns are mounting over the mysterious death of student Odell Sherman and Yvonne Kamara, the lady discovered dead at Palm Spring Resort, among others.
Mrs. Weah cited President George Weah’s commitment to underwrite the cost of bringing an independent pathologist to establish the cause of death of student Odell Sherman, which she said is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to addressing the concern for justice.
In a related development, the Liberian First Lady has commended efforts by activists, students, civil society groups and concerned citizens for their level of advocacy in seeking justice into the alleged rape incidents in the country.
Madam Weah is however urging the relevant agencies of government to speed up their interventions in addressing issues relating to the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls.
According to the release, the First Lady remains committed to advocating for the women and girls of Liberia in ensuring their protection and empowerment to live a violence-free life and fully contribute to society.