President Joseph N. Boakai has submitted for enactment a bill entitled “An Act to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices in Liberia”. The President said the proposed legislation arises from national obligation to protect the dignity, rights, and health of all Liberians, particularly women and children, who remain vulnerable to practices that have long undermined their wellbeing.
In his communication to the House of Representatives, President Boakai affirms Liberia’s commitments to international treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Maputo Protocol. He said the Bill, among other provisions, prohibits female circumcision, child marriage, and other harmful cultural practices.
The Liberian President disclosed that the proposed Bill establishes penalties for violators, provides support and protection services for victims, and mandates robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
He noted that recognizing the sensitive cultural nature of these practices, the Bill also introduces transitional measures (which run for 6 months prior to the ban taking effect) that emphasize broad-based education and community dialogue including wide-scale public education campaigns through radio, newspapers, social media, and town hall meetings.
The dialogue will also include engagement with traditional leaders, women groups, youth organizations, and civil society to foster ownership and compliance and periodic reporting to the Legislature on progress made in implementing these initiatives.
“This bill is fully aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly under the pillars of Rule of Law, Education, and Social Protection. It underscores our determination to ensure that no tradition, however longstanding, should compromise the health, safety, and rights of Liberian citizens,” Boakai said.
According to him, the passage will mark a significant step toward advancing good governance, protecting human rights, and enhancing Liberia’s international reputation as a country committed to justice and equality.
