Liberia’s Children’s Advocate Pledges Decentralized Efforts to Enhance Youth Development
PAYNESVILLE: Cyrus Wea Jr., President of the Liberia National Children Representative Forum, has affirmed his commitment to extending activities aimed at nurturing the potential of children across Liberia. The institution believes this decentralized approach will serve the best interests of its members.
Mr. Wea said in light of the upcoming October 10, 2023 elections in Liberia, a period historically marked by heightened tensions, it strongly condemns any environment that compromises the safety and well-being of our nation’s children.
The group urged all political parties to reject all forms of electoral violence involving children, in accordance with Article 77 sub-section (b) of the Liberian Constitution, which reserves the right to vote exclusively for adults. Additionally, it implores political parties to refrain from exploiting children during this election period.
Speaking at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town over the weekend, Wea Jr. expressed his concern over the lack of awareness regarding children’s rights and well-being among members of the Children Forum residing in hard-to-reach regions of the country.
He assured members of the forum that elected and appointed officials are prepared to uphold their commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in Liberia.
Furthermore, the Forum’s leader issued a stern caution to all political parties, urging them to abstain from engaging in any acts of electoral violence that may adversely affect children.
The dire situation faced by Liberia’s children is a source of concern for pro-children organizations, including UNICEF and SOS Children’s Village. With more than two million children below the age of 18 residing in Liberia, the effects of decades of conflict, the Ebola epidemic, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted their lives. Many children have been uprooted from their homes and have lost parental care.
Although the government has made strides in the education sector by investing in schools and providing free primary education, there are many children who are not in school. The financial burden associated with additional costs such as transportation, clothing, school supplies, and materials often prevents families from ensuring consistent attendance. For many impoverished families, children are compelled to contribute to household finances, leading to an estimated 21 percent of children engaging in work, according to SOS Children’s Village.
The National Children Representative Forum, formerly known as the Children’s Parliament, was established with the core mission of advocating for the rights and overall well-being of Liberia’s children.
By: Emmanuel Toe
