Liberia: ‘A Child’s Dignity Is Not Content’: WONGOSOL Demands Protection for 17-Year-Old Girl

MONROVIA — The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has called for the immediate protection of a 17-year-old girl whose video has circulated widely on social media, warning that the public exposure of children in sensitive cases can further threaten their dignity, privacy and well-being.

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By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

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The organization’s concern follows the circulation of a video involving the alleged minor and a 29-year-old man.

WONGOSOL stressed that the allegations remain subject to investigation and that no individual should be presumed guilty before the facts are established through due process.

However, the women’s rights organization said the child’s welfare must remain the priority regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

WONGOSOL strongly criticized the public interviewing and exposure of the girl on social media, saying the disclosure of a child’s identity and personal information in such circumstances could expose her to further harm, stigma and trauma.

“A child’s face, name, school, home and family details should never be unnecessarily exposed. A child’s trauma should never become public entertainment,” WONGOSOL said.

The organization acknowledged that individuals involved in the public exposure may have acted in good faith but emphasized that the protection of children must guide public responses to cases involving minors.

According to WONGOSOL, Liberia’s Children’s Law of 2011, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provide important protections for children, including their privacy, dignity and protection from abuse and exploitation.

The organization is now calling on the Liberia National Police to promptly investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, including the allegations involving the adult male.

It also urged the Ministry of Justice and the SGBV Crimes Unit to investigate any evidence of sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking or other criminal conduct and pursue prosecution where the evidence warrants.

WONGOSOL further called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to take immediate steps to protect the alleged minor and ensure that she receives appropriate psychosocial and child-protection support.

The organization said authorities should also examine the circumstances that led to the girl’s public exposure.

Beyond government institutions, WONGOSOL is urging journalists, bloggers and social media users to exercise greater caution when reporting or sharing material involving children.

It specifically appealed to the public not to repost or circulate content that exposes, humiliates or could further identify the girl.

The organization also cautioned against blaming or shaming the alleged minor, stressing that if she was subjected to exploitation or abuse, she should receive protection, support and access to justice rather than public condemnation.

WONGOSOL said that if the allegations against the adult male are established through investigation, the relevant authorities should ensure that the law is enforced, including arrest and prosecution where warranted.

The organization said the incident should prompt broader reflection on how Liberia responds to cases involving children in the age of social media, where sensitive information can spread rapidly and become almost impossible to retract.

“We cannot normalize the exploitation or public humiliation of children,” WONGOSOL said.

The organization ended its appeal with a message directed at the public and media community:

“A child’s dignity is not content. Her privacy is not entertainment. Her protection must come first.”