MINISTRY OF GENDER, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL PROTECTION REVEAL
Monrovia, Liberia – Over 366,584 children in Liberia are living in appalling conditions on the streets, according to a survey performed by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Society Protection and collaborators. With 153,982 street children, Montserrado County has the greatest number, followed by Rivercess County with 100 street children, according to Maminah Gorlon Carr-Gaye, Assistant Minister for Children and Social Protection.
During her keynote address at the event commemorating the World Day against Child Labor, which was held on Monday, June 12, 2023, in Congo Town and was organized by the Ministry of Labor, Minister Gaye made the disclosure. According to statistics from a report on the worst types of child labor in Liberia, Minister Gaye stated that 4.2% of Liberian children between the ages of 5 and 14 work in the industrial sector, 17.4% work in the service sector, and 78.45% work in agriculture.
She claimed that children who are in school are forced to work for their families, which is one of the key issues the Liberian government has tried to address. The report also noted that Liberia achieved little progress in its attempts to end the worst kind of child labor, Minister Gaye stressed.
Counselor Charles Gibson, the minister of labor, said in remarks that the ministry is working with the Senate and House Committees on Labor to pass legislation that will make child labor a crime similar to human trafficking.
According to Minister Gibson, the Labor Ministry has setup two teams purposely to begin patrolling the various night clubs in order to curb child abuse and children engagement in unwholesome practices. He reaffirmed the Liberian government’s commitment towards the elimination of child labor, providing every child with the chance to enjoy their childhood, learn, and become better leaders for tomorrow.
Gibson informed the gathering that the government and its partners have set up three safe-homes in the country and that one of the three will be used to keep children that will be seen in the streets selling.
According to Minister Gibson, about 286 communities have been identified in Montserrado County to provide awareness and education on the kind of work a child should do.
He further explained that every child in Liberia is paramount to the government and as such the Ministry of Labor has established three safe homes, and one of those homes will be used to keep children that will be trafficked or see them doing hazardous jobs.
Minister Gibson has announced that his Ministry will soon launch a massive inspection exercise of all entertainment and business centers across to identify where children are performing child labor and engage elicit activities such as, smoking, drinking and taking in other substances.
The celebration , which was held under the theme: “ Rescue Children From Street Selling and Vulnerability,” was graced by students representatives of local and international partners .
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
