The NEWS (Monrovia)
18 March 2008
Monrovia — The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Rule of Law, Ms. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu says rape continues to be the highest reported crime in Liberia despite efforts by the Liberian government, the UN and other partners to stop it.
She said every Liberian has a responsibilty to ensure that rape and violence against women are totally prevented.
Madam Mensa-Bonsu said she believes rape can be prevented and stopped only when men and boys get actively involved.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) spoke recently at the launch of an anti-rape campaign in Maryland County, southeastern Liberia.
The national taskforce on the Gender-based Violence (GBV) brought together the Liberian Government, the United Nations, other partners.
Speaking at the launch, Mensa-Bonsu said "though we in the UN have teamed up with the Government of Liberia and launched the National Plan of Action for Gender-Based Violence in 2006, rape continues to be the highest reported crime in Liberia."
Continuing she added, "everyone has a role to play; this is not a woman matter only; the men must take action. I believe, rape can be prevented and stopped only when men and boys get actively involved."
Information Minister Dr. Laurence Bropleh commended UNMIL and Liberia's international partners for their support in helping to prevent rape and sexual based violence.
"UNMIL and Liberia's international partners have brought peace to us, but if a child in Grand Cape Mount County is raped, her dream would not be a reality; if a child in Grand Bassa is raped, the dream of a child in other parts of Liberia is lost," Minister Bropleh indicated.
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