August 26, 2020

Monrovia – In the wake of the  increasing waves of rape cases against women and children, a group of Liberians, predominately young people, have petitioned the 54th National Legislature to broaden its oversight responsibilities in strengthening the justice system to curb the menance.

Dressed in all black, with placards depicting anti-rape slogans, the group marched through Tubman Boulevard unto Capitol Hill and presented their petition to the Chairperson of the House Committee on Claims and Petition, Rep. Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis (District #4, Montserrado County).

“Honorable Members of the Legislature, we have a rape pandemic on our hands. There have been hundreds of rape cases across the country and the numbers keep climbing exponentially,” the petitioners lamented.

“Our mothers and daughters are under attack daily by predators that have no fear of bearing the full weight of the law. These outrageous acts are only persisting because our justice system has been so weak that perpetrators commit these atrocities and go scot-free; because our laws have been made lax and created loopholes for these criminals to exploit.” 

As the first branch of government collectively and as direct representatives of the people that were elected to push the best interests of the people individually, they continue, “we have come to you as peaceful citizens to beseech you to see a reason to take the necessary steps, make the relevant decisions and take a stand against these inhumane acts. We believe that you have the power and an important role to play in making the drastic changes that are needed to end this pandemic. We are here to say Enough is Enough”.

In their petition, the group laid out several recommendations they believe when implemented by the Government of Liberia will help end this nightmare for the people of Liberia.

The petition from the group stated: Increase budgetary allocation in the FY 2020/2021 budget, and subsequent budgets for Criminal Court “E”; and to facilitate the strengthening of the judicial system for speedy trial of rape and other Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases including the hiring of more judges to hear and determine rape and SGBV cases speedily and expeditiously.

Also, the protesters want the government to increase budgetary allotment for health care delivery systems. Ensure that all counties have functional safe homes to accommodate survivors of rape and other SGBV cases.

The establishment of specialized Criminal Courts specifically to prosecute and facilitate the speedy trial of rape and other SGBV cases in all counties that do not have such courts.

The group also wants the government to increase the capacity of the Women and Children Protection Division of the Liberia National Police with funding, training, logistics, and other types of equipment.

“Honorable Members of the Legislature, we have a rape pandemic on our hands. There have been hundreds of rape cases across the country and the numbers keep climbing exponentially. Our mothers and daughters are under attack daily by predators that have no fear of bearing the full weight of the law. These outrageous acts are only persisting because our justice system has been so weak that perpetrators commit these atrocities and go scot-free; because our laws have been made lax and created loopholes for these criminals to exploit.” 

To increase Legislative oversight over relevant government institutions including the Ministry of Gender, Social and Child Protection, Ministry of Health, the Liberian National Police, the Criminal Courts to end rape, and other SGBV related crimes were part of their petition.