Justice, rights, and public institutions
Children, Survivors, and Gender Justice in Liberia
Liberia Civic justice collection
Children and survivors need justice services that protect safety, dignity, privacy, and informed participation. This guide explains the institutions and principles behind a survivor-centered response.
Child-sensitive justice
Best interests
Age, development, safety, family circumstances, and long-term wellbeing should guide decisions.
Diversion and reintegration
For eligible children in conflict with the law, Liberia’s Children’s Law supports approaches that avoid unnecessary formal proceedings and promote reintegration.
Privacy and participation
Children should receive understandable information, be heard safely, and have their identities protected.
Coordinated protection
Police, courts, prosecutors, social workers, health providers, defense services, probation, and trusted organizations may all have roles.
For survivors of sexual or gender-based violence
- Move to safety and seek urgent medical care when needed.
- Contact trained police, protection, health, or legal services.
- Preserve available evidence without delaying lifesaving care.
- Protect confidentiality and informed choice wherever the law permits.
- Minimize repeated, traumatic interviews.
Specialized services
The Ministry of Justice Child Justice Section coordinates child-justice and diversion work. Its SGBV Crimes Unit describes specialized investigation, prosecution, victim support, and coordination.
Responsible reporting
- Never publish identifying details of a child survivor.
- Do not pressure or blame survivors.
- Separate verified findings from allegations.
- Use secure records and share only with authorized people.