Weah Gives in to Pressure on National Liberia Emergency Over Rape

This comes after pressure from activists who have called for better laws and more support to protect children and women. Protesters have petitioned the national legislature to broaden its oversight responsibilities in strengthening the justice system to curb the crime. According to activists, over 900 cases of rape have been reported against women, girls and under-aged boys since the coronavirus hit. The presidential declaration comes two days after an anti-rape and sexual and gender-based violence conference in the capital Monrovia aimed at highlighting the National Roadmap on rape and SGBV produced by the inter-ministerial taskforce set up by the president. Despite the enduring culture of blaming the victim, activists say the government's move to implement the anti-rape roadmap is a strong step towards making Liberia a safe place.

A Liberian woman protests outside President George Weah's office at the ministry of foreign affairs in Monrovia - demanding that Weah declare a national emergency for rape - on July 27, 2020.

InFocus

Liberian police block government buildings from the anti-rape protesters on the streets of Monrovia who want to give their petition to President George Weah on July 27, 2020.

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