Monrovia, Liberia - First Lady Clar Marie Weah has described as troubling and alarming the increasing cases of rape and other forms of violence against women and girls across Liberia, several of such incidents resulting in the death of victims.

Reacting to the 2019 first-quarter report released by the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, which indicates that rape constitutes about 82-percent of the over 800 Sexual Gender-Based Violence Cases recorded from January to March, the First Lady says she is troubled by the prevalence of such heinous crimes, a flagrant violation of the rights of women and girls.

She condemned rape and various forms of violence against women and girls in the strongest possible terms, describing them as unacceptable.

Quite recently the media reported the alleged gang-rape of a 22-year-old breastfeeding mother in Lofa County, while concerns are mounting over the mysterious death of student Odell Sherman and Yvonne Kamara, the lady discovered dead at Palm Spring Resort among others.

Mrs. Weah expressed deep sympathy to the survivors and families of deceased victims, urging them to remain calm as the government is doing all in its powers to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mrs. Weah cited President George Manneh Weah’s commitment to underwrite the cost of bringing an independent pathologist to establish the cause of death of student Odell Sherman, a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to addressing the concern for justice.

In a related development, the First Lady has commended efforts by activists, students, civil society groups and concerned citizens for their level of advocacies in seeking justice in alleged rape incidents among others.

Mrs. Weah is, however, urging the relevant functionaries of government to speed up their interventions in addressing issues relating to the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls.    

According to the release, the First Lady remains committed to advocating for the women and girls of Liberia in ensuring their protection and empowerment to live a violence-free life and fully contribute to society.