The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in Liberia has vehemently denounced the brutal and unlawful treatment inflicted upon Ms. Korto Vangbana, a 38-year-old mother of five. This incident, which occurred in Ballah Baloma Town, Gbarpolu County, involved the public beating and tying of Ms. Vangbana, along with her infant child, under the pouring rain. The act was ordered by a local traditional leader identified as Mr. Togba, ostensibly due to Ms. Vangbana’s absence from a community cleaning exercise. However, Ms. Vangbana had previously notified town authorities about her Christian faith and her consequent abstention from traditional practices. The MoGCSP unequivocally condemns this act as a severe violation of Ms. Vangbana’s fundamental human rights and an affront to the dignity of all women and girls in Liberia, emphasizing the conflict between harmful traditional practices and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
The Ministry’s swift response to this egregious act underscores its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens. Upon receiving the report, immediate action was taken to secure Ms. Vangbana and her children, placing them under protective custody at the Bopolu City police station. Simultaneously, Mr. Togba, the perpetrator of this inhumane act, was apprehended and remains in police custody pending further investigation. The Ministry’s proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to not only ensuring immediate safety but also to pursuing justice and accountability for the egregious violation of Ms. Vangbana’s rights. This initial response reflects the Ministry’s dedication to addressing gender-based violence and upholding the rule of law.
Beyond immediate safety measures, the MoGCSP is focused on providing comprehensive support to Ms. Vangbana and her children. Initial psychosocial support was provided at the police station, followed by arrangements, facilitated by ActionAid Liberia, to transport the family to Monrovia. In Monrovia, they will be housed in a Safe Home, where they will receive continued care, protection, and comprehensive support services. This transition to a dedicated safe space aims to mitigate the trauma experienced and provide a secure environment for healing and recovery. The collaboration with ActionAid Liberia exemplifies the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with civil society organizations to maximize its impact and provide holistic support to survivors.
The Ministry is not limiting its response to immediate care and protection. It has formally engaged the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure Ms. Vangbana’s ongoing protection and to pursue full legal accountability for the abuse she suffered. This collaborative approach across government agencies strengthens the response to gender-based violence and signals a commitment to a robust legal process. Additionally, the MoGCSP is working closely with partner organizations, including the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), to provide continuous psychosocial support, shelter, food, and empowerment assistance to Ms. Vangbana and her children. This multi-faceted approach recognizes the complex needs of survivors and aims to provide comprehensive support to facilitate their recovery and empowerment.
Gender Minister, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, has strongly condemned the incident, highlighting the urgent need to eradicate harmful traditional practices that jeopardize the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls in Liberia. Minister Horace-Kollie’s statement serves as a powerful reminder that no tradition or local custom can supersede the rights enshrined in the Liberian Constitution and international human rights conventions. This firm stance underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of local customs or traditions. The Minister’s public condemnation of the incident serves to raise awareness about the prevalence of harmful traditional practices and the importance of challenging them.
The Ministry’s response to this case serves as a broader call to action against gender-based violence. Minister Horace-Kollie urged the public to utilize the GBV 116 toll-free hotline to report all forms of abuse against women, children, and other vulnerable groups. This emphasizes the importance of community involvement in combating gender-based violence and encourages individuals to actively participate in creating a safer environment for all. The Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting and empowering survivors of gender-based violence, while ensuring perpetrators are held accountable under the law, signifies a crucial step towards fostering a society where the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected and protected. This incident and the subsequent response highlight the ongoing struggle to balance cultural traditions with fundamental human rights and the importance of continuous advocacy and action to eliminate harmful practices. The Ministry’s actions demonstrate a dedication to ensuring that no woman is subjected to such degrading and inhumane treatment, regardless of tradition or belief, and to working towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
