By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, October 14, 2026 – The Executive Director of the Lady Justice Center of Liberia, Hawa Metzger, has called on the government to strengthen child-protection measures amid growing concerns over sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect and abandonment of vulnerable children in Monrovia and surrounding communities.
Addressing a press conference Tuesday, October 13, Metzger urged the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Liberia National Police to intensify efforts to identify at-risk children, investigate allegations of sexual violence and provide immediate protection for survivors.
She cited the reported experience of a 12-year-old girl living on the streets of Monrovia who allegedly disclosed that she had been subjected to sexual abuse beginning at age nine.
According to Metzger, the child’s account raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of street-connected children and the apparent gaps in existing protection mechanisms.
“Who protects a child who has no responsible adult to turn to?” she questioned, urging authorities to take decisive action against child abuse, sexual exploitation and abandonment.
Metzger stressed that government has a responsibility to ensure vulnerable children have access to safe accommodation, healthcare, education, counseling and other essential social services.
She questioned whether Liberia’s existing child-protection laws and policies are being effectively implemented, particularly for children living without parental care or supervision.
The rights advocate called for emergency shelters, trained social workers, accessible mental-health services, rehabilitation programs and safe reintegration opportunities for survivors of abuse.
She argued that children subjected to sexual violence should not have to wait until their experiences attract public attention before receiving assistance.
While acknowledging the responsibility of parents and guardians to protect their children, Metzger maintained that parental neglect or abandonment should not justify government inaction.
She urged relevant institutions to strengthen enforcement of child-protection laws and ensure that vulnerable children receive timely intervention and support.
The allegations involving the 12-year-old girl have not been independently verified, and no official response from the relevant authorities was provided in the report.
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