….Applauds Police for Swift Intervention
IPNEWS: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) is seriously disappointed and sadden to see another Liberian woman being brutally mobbed by men believed to be motorcyclists.
The Ministry understands that the brutishness against a visiting Canadian-based Liberia woman occurred on November 15, 2023 but was recently alerted about the situation.
The Ministry categorically condemns such barbarity against a woman and empathizes that there is no place in the society for such unthinkable showmanship of violence. The ministry describes the action in the video as disgraceful, uncivilized and irresponsible.
The Ministry sees said thuggery as a brutal manifestation of violence against women and girls, and therefore, calls on every Liberian to assist in heightening efforts to arrest all those in connection with the inhumane act.
According to the LNP, one person has been arrested while others who are believed to be associated with the cruelty, are at large. Sources informed the Ministry of Gender that the survivor, a Canadian-based Liberian, was a victim of mistaken identity while in the red light market. Police further notified the Ministry that the survivor was mistaken for another person who the alleged perpetrators claimed had stolen a motorcycle.
The Canadian based Liberian women and her two kids were visiting Liberia from Canada prior to the dreadful incident.
MoGCSP terms the brutalization of that innocent woman as regrettable, and that, the onslaught displayed could further undermine the ongoing stride made by Liberia and its international partners to arrest the cruel acts of violence against women and girls.
Such cruelty violates a number of human rights enshrined in the instruments ratified by Liberia, including inter alia, the right to life and physical integrity; the right not to be subjected to torture, or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the right not to be subjected to violence, abuse or exploitation; the right to health; the right to education; the right to an effective remedy; and the right to equal protection and equality before the law.
As a state party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the “Maputo Protocol”), Liberia has made legally binding commitments to exercise due diligence to combat gender-based violence and discrimination. Liberia has an obligation to take all appropriate measures to prevent all forms of violence against women and ensure that there are adequate sanctions for violators.
Additionally, MoGCSP is seriously frustrated and troubled by scenes and other expressions portrayed in the video trending.
The Ministry views the action of those pictured in the video as devilish, embarrassing and malicious. The Ministry indicates that said barbarism exhibited has the propensity to further present a negative picture of the civility of the Liberian Society, and that, such act must never be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) extends sincere apology to the survivor and family and promise to engage with the Liberia National Police (LNP) to bring all perpetrators to justice. At the same time, the Ministry is applauding the LNP for the initial arrest being made but encourages a speedy process. The law must take its course.
