International Development Law Organization

Liberia

Over a decade has passed since the end of conflict in Liberia, but the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has not diminished. The Liberian Government and the international community have focused on SGBV cases in response to urgent demands for improved judicial remedies to combat impunity, and a special court designated to deal exclusively with sexual offences was established in 2008. However, accountability and effectiveness of the court, as well as the number of successful sexual violence prosecutions, remain low. IDLO is working with Liberian and international partners to help combat and promote increased accountability for SGBV crimes.

Strengthening Institutions to Improve Access to Justice for SGBV Survivors in Liberia

In the post-conflict transition, significant steps have been taken to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Liberia. The Government of Liberia established a policy and legal framework that includes the Rape Law (2006), a National Gender Policy (2017), and a National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Management of Gender-Based Violence in Liberia. However, in 2017, over 1100 SGBV cases have been reported in Montserrado County alone, representing only a small proportion of the violations that occur. Furthermore, the number of cases that have progressed to court remains low.

Strengthening the Capacity of Police and Other Law Enforcement Agencies to Effectively Respond to Trafficking in Persons

In Liberia, the most prevalent form of trafficking in persons involves women and children being trafficked from rural to urban areas, with family members usually acting as independent traffickers. Although the country has a legal and policy framework prohibiting trafficking, the response to trafficking in persons is ineffective, with very few investigations, prosecutions and convictions. In 2017, Liberia was classified as one of the countries on the ‘Tier 2 Watchlist’ in the United States Department of State’s Report on Trafficking in Persons.

Strengthening the rule of law, justice and security in Liberia

Over a decade has passed since the end of conflict in Liberia, but incidence of sexual and gender-based violence has not diminished. Numerous studies reveal an extremely high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence. According to an IDLO study, in 2015 1396 cases were reported to the Montserrado five one-stop clinics alone. Among those cases, 267 were reported to the Women’s and Children’s Protection Section within the Liberia National Police, 119 received an indictment, while only 3 cases went through to trial.

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Key Initiatives

  • In the post-conflict transition, significant steps have been taken to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Liberia. The Government of Liberia established a policy and legal framework that includes the Rape Law (2006), a National Gender Policy (2017), and a National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Management of Gender-Based Violence in Liberia. However, in 2017, over 1100 SGBV cases have been reported in Montserrado County alone, representing only a small proportion of the violations that occur. Furthermore, the number of cases that have progressed to court remains low.
  • In Liberia, the most prevalent form of trafficking in persons involves women and children being trafficked from rural to urban areas, with family members usually acting as independent traffickers. Although the country has a legal and policy framework prohibiting trafficking, the response to trafficking in persons is ineffective, with very few investigations, prosecutions and convictions. In 2017, Liberia was classified as one of the countries on the ‘Tier 2 Watchlist’ in the United States Department of State’s Report on Trafficking in Persons.
  • Over a decade has passed since the end of conflict in Liberia, but incidence of sexual and gender-based violence has not diminished. Numerous studies reveal an extremely high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence. According to an IDLO study, in 2015 1396 cases were reported to the Montserrado five one-stop clinics alone. Among those cases, 267 were reported to the Women’s and Children’s Protection Section within the Liberia National Police, 119 received an indictment, while only 3 cases went through to trial.
  • Promoting increased accountability for sexual and gender-based violence in Liberia.
  • Under the Liberia SGBV program launched in January 2016, IDLO will work with the judiciary to enhance the efficiency, transparency and accountability of Criminal Court “E” in Montserrado, the special court designated to deal exclusively with sexual offenses established in 2008, and improve access to justice and protection mechanisms for victims of SGBV.
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