Monrovia, Liberia ~ The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has confirmed that it has taken custody of a 14-year-old girl at the center of a rape allegation involving a Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Friday, the young survivor was brought to the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Division by her father. She has since been placed in a safe home, where she is receiving protective care and psychosocial support in line with established child protection protocols.
“The Ministry has taken steps to ensure the survivor’s safety, dignity, and well-being,” the statement read. “A dedicated social worker has been assigned to provide continuous support to the child throughout the ongoing investigation.”
The case has sparked widespread public concern, given the involvement of a high-ranking government official. While the name of the Deputy Minister has not yet been released, the Ministry emphasized its firm stance against sexual violence, particularly against minors.
“We reiterate our zero-tolerance policy on all forms of Gender-Based Violence,” the Ministry said. “We are committed to ensuring that survivors not only receive the care they need but also the justice they deserve.”
The Ministry further noted that it is working closely with law enforcement and other child protection stakeholders as the investigation continues. Additional updates are expected to be provided in due course.
The allegation marks yet another high-profile case of sexual violence in Liberia, a country still grappling with the legacy of widespread abuse during its years of civil conflict and in the post-war era.
