From Elton W. Tiah | GNN Correspondent | Grand Bassa County |
Hundreds of youth groups dressed in black in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County during the week joined other counties around Liberia to protest against rape, calling for harsh punishment against perpetrators, as they submits their petition to the County Legislative Caucus for onward presentation to the Liberian leader, President George Manneh.
The groups as a symbol of their seriousness in their advocacies paraded the principle streets of Buchanan making their presence felt in order for authorities to be serious about their action carried several banners of awareness for the anti-rape protest.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Linda Lloyd said “Today, we are jointly assembled here not as politicians, but as human rights Activists, void of political influence to speak the minds and sorrows of children and women who are sexually abused everyday under the Administration of President George Manneh Weah and before the watchful eyes of the Lawmakers”.
Speaking further, Linda Lloyd said, “As it stands, the Gender Ministry Statistics has disclosed 960 Cases of rape across the country within the period of eight Months; reasons for which all stakeholders and citizens must rise up and find urgent solution Now”.
She also mentioned that the continuous increase of rape cases violates several articles of the Optional Protocol on the African Chapter of human and Peoples’ Rights of Women in Africa.
“Honorable Caucus Chairman, these heinous Crimes perpetrated against women and children and the entirety of the Liberian people during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, is a gross violation of Article 2, (a), (b) and (c) of the Optional Protocol on the African Chapter on human and Peoples’ Rights of Women in Africa, and Chapter 14, Section 14.70 of the Penal Code of Liberia”.
She furthered, “Council Resolution 1820 of 2018, Resolution 1888 of 2009, Resolution 1889 of 2009 and Article 11 of the Liberian Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of a Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations against Women and several others “.
Thomas Goshua, Chairman of the Grand Bassa Legislative accepted the petition, promising to work with his colleagues to ensure that rapists be brought to justice.
“As I stand here, I am worried because I have a daughter; I am worried because of the future of our girls and boys. I am scared that something might go wrong with us as lawmakers don’t take a stand “.
Goshua maintained, “I will not rest until we the lawmakers find the best punishment for rapist in Liberia “.
He mentioned that he will work with his colleagues to ensure that something works out to solve the problems.
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