Protecting Liberia's Children:
Advocating for Every Child in Liberia
Sanoe, 7, Anointed, 8 and Mary, 14 © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
In Liberia, a country still healing from the scars of conflict and political instability, the well-being of its children represents not just a priority but a fundamental right that must be upheld. Decades of civil unrest have left many children vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and neglect. In this challenging landscape, UNICEF, in collaboration with local authorities and communities, is dedicated to creating an environment where every child is protected, nurtured, and empowered.
UNICEF’s commitment to child protection in Liberia encompasses various initiatives aimed at addressing pressing issues such as violence against children (VAC), sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and inadequate birth registration, which denies children their legal identity and access to essential services. Efforts to strengthen the social service workforce, enhance foster care systems, and support children in street situations are essential components of this mission.
UNICEF Liberia's work also extends to reinforcing partnerships with government entities and civil society organisations to develop effective policies and frameworks that protect children's rights. By creating child-friendly spaces in rehabilitation centres and supporting community-based programs for youth empowerment, UNICEF aims to establish robust support systems for the younger populations, including those affected by violence and those involved in the justice system.
Through prioritising child protection, UNICEF Liberia not only seeks to improve immediate conditions but also strives to build a future where every child can thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This holistic approach ensures that children are not only passive recipients of aid but active participants in their own development. The following experiences highlight the collective efforts being made to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Liberian Children's Village © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
A Day at Liberian Children’s Village
In Monrovia, the Liberian Children’s Village stands as a shelter of hope for many vulnerable children who have lost their families or been separated from them. Under the guidance of Siannah Gihlisseh, 43, the village supervisor, this facility provides not just shelter but a nurturing environment where children can reclaim their childhoods and build a brighter future. Siannah highlights the critical support UNICEF provides, stating, “Every day, we prioritise education, health care, and psychological support. With UNICEF’s assistance, we can offer a safe shelter where children can feel supported, learn, can be taken care of, and find joy in their daily lives.”
Siannah playing with the children at Liberian Children's Village © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“Every day, we prioritise education, health care, and psychological support. With UNICEF’s assistance, we can offer a safe shelter where children can feel supported, learn, can be taken care of, and find joy in their daily lives.”
At the village, children engage in a variety of educational and recreational activities designed to promote their physical, emotional, and social well-being. From structured learning sessions to playtime that support creativity and teamwork, the village creates an environment that encourages holistic development. As Siannah explains, “UNICEF ensures that we have the necessary resources to teach and educate these kids, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to build a better future.”
The commitment to addressing the needs of children at the Liberian Children’s Village extends beyond basic care; it encompasses a comprehensive approach to child protection. By providing psychological counselling and health services, the village cares for the immediate needs of the children, and also supports them to overcome past traumas. This focus on strength and recovery is crucial for helping children heal and reintegrate into society, assuring they have the chance to thrive despite their difficult beginnings.
“UNICEF ensures that we have the necessary resources to teach and educate these kids, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to build a better future.”
Siannah teaching the children at Liberian Children's Village © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
A significant aspect of the Liberian Children’s Village's mission is its commitment to strengthening the foster care system in Liberia. This includes ongoing education and support for foster families, maintaining they are well-prepared to provide stable, loving homes for children in need. By revising foster care guidelines and developing training manuals for foster parents, UNICEF and its partners work to create a network of informed caregivers who can nurture the emotional and developmental needs of these vulnerable children. Linda George, 28, a dedicated care-taker, emphasises the importance of this foster care program. “It’s vital for children who can’t live with their biological families to find loving homes,” she states. “Through our collaboration with UNICEF, we seek to provide these children with healthcare and also a supportive environment where they can flourish.” Together, these efforts reflect a broad approach to child welfare, aiming to create nurturing environments that promote the overall well-being of Liberia’s most vulnerable children.
Eben Kelvin Reeves ©Vincent Tremeau/Unicef Liberia
Improving motoric skills during play time at Liberian Children's Village © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“Every child has the right to a safe and happy life.”
The Path to Healing: A Social Worker’s Perspective
In Robertsport, Liberia, Pauline D. Nimley serves as a dedicated social worker and a trusted advocate for vulnerable children, collaborating closely with UNICEF. Through training and resources offered by UNICEF, Pauline is equipped with the tools necessary to address the complex needs of children and families in her community. This collaboration allows her to implement best practices in child protection, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care and support they need.
Pauline talking with children Sanoe, Anointed and Mary, during their counselling session in Robertsport © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Pauline focuses on the well-being of remarkable children like Sanoe, 7, an albino girl facing stigmatisation; Anointed, 8, a boy with big dreams; and Mary, 14, who navigates a difficult home life. Her commitment goes beyond her professional responsibilities; she builds strong relationships within the community, allowing children to feel secure in reaching out for help. “I want them to know they can always reach out to me,” she emphasises, creating a safe space for open communication and support whenever needed.
“I live with a woman who shelters me,” Mary shares, recounting the struggles of having a father imprisoned for drugs and a mother who abandoned her. Through her consistent support, Pauline stands for Mary and others like her to feel safe. She ensures that these children are well cared for and reassures them that they can always turn to Pauline whenever they need help. “Every child has the right to a safe and happy life,” she asserts. As a trusted adult, Pauline promotes a network of safety and understanding, helping children heal and thrive despite their challenges, while making sure they know they are never alone in their journeys.
Pauline visits Mary at her home, in Robertsport © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
"The birth registration process was easy and we understand that it is very important for the rights of our children.”
Birth Registration: A Right for Every Child
Birth registration is a fundamental right that empowers children to access essential services and protections. It serves as the foundation for legal identity, enabling children to benefit from healthcare, education, and safety. UNICEF plays a key role in promoting birth registration as a crucial aspect of child rights. Through targeted awareness campaigns, UNICEF educates communities on the significance of registering births and the myriad benefits it brings. In Grand Bassa, Philip Tarwah, 32, and his wife Rose Sleboeh, 32, recently registered their baby, Sussan, 6 months-old. “The birth registration process was easy and we understand that it is very important for the rights of our children,” Philip shares. “Now, our child has a legal identity and can access services.”
Rose Sleboeh, with her husband Philip Tarwah and their baby Sussan © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
UNICEF advocates for sustainable staffing by pushing for the inclusion of birth registration personnel on the Government of Liberia’s payroll. By enhancing the interoperability of the birth registration system with other civil registration platforms, UNICEF improves access to essential services, thereby ensuring that every child is recognized and protected.
Echoing this sentiment, Austine Johnny, 36, and Hannah Mingle, 35, parents of Joyce, 5, emphasise the shared responsibility of ensuring every child is registered. “We registered our child today. It’s our responsibility to give our children a future,” Austine states.
The organisation trains health workers on mobile birth registration and integrated services, promoting that families receive the necessary support to navigate the registration process effectively. Local health officials, including Sattah B. Lombeh, the County Health Register, further highlights the critical nature of their roles in facilitating birth registration. “Every child has a right to exist legally,” Sattah affirms. “Without registration, they cannot access healthcare, education, or protection.”
“It is imperative that justice is served for child victims. We must ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to heal. We work closely with UNICEF to define ways to create a fairer environment for the youth of Liberia.”
Supporting Victims of Violence and Justice for Children
UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to child protection goes beyond mere advocacy and encompasses a broad spectrum of support for vulnerable children. Justice for every child is paramount in UNICEF's approach. The organisation works closely with the Juvenile Court to identify effective measures. At the court, Judge Lucrezia Thomas Anderson highlights the judicial process for juvenile cases, asserting, “It is imperative that justice is served for child victims. We must ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to heal. We work closely with UNICEF to define ways to create a fairer environment for the youth of Liberia.” This collaboration with the judiciary emphasises the necessity of creating a legal framework that prioritises the rights and welfare of children.
Judge Anderson in her office © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Two young formerly incarcerated youth, Samuel (name changed), 12, and Daniel (name changed), 13, have been profoundly affected by their experiences, which have left a significant mark on their family. Thanks to ongoing child protection initiatives across Liberia, these children are receiving support. Social worker James (name changed), 39, has been actively involved in their case, bridging the gap between their family, the justice system, and the children, while providing essential counselling. Their sister, M., 26, reflects on their journey, saying, “Our lives changed drastically because of what they went through. We are grateful for the support and rehabilitation they are receiving.”
Social worker James, who is actively involved in the boys’ cases, as well as in other cases, underscores the importance of robust support systems for children who have endured trauma. “We have a responsibility to ensure their rehabilitation and integration back into society,” he emphasises. UNICEF's initiatives in this area focus not only on immediate care but also on long-term strategies for healing and reintegration, ensuring that these children have access to counselling, education, and community support.
“We have a responsibility to ensure their rehabilitation and integration back into society.”
Two formerly incarcerated youth, Samuel (name changed), 12, and Daniel (name changed) © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
UNICEF’s approach to supporting young individuals in conflict with the law emphasises rehabilitation over punishment. Within the Central Prison in Monrovia, child inmates share their experiences navigating the system. S., 14, who sees James regularly, shares: “I made mistakes, but the support here, especially from James, helps me learn.” Similarly, L., 17, who is facing charges, expresses his gratitude for the rehabilitation opportunities available to him. “I work with James , and he has been a tremendous help in guiding me,” he noted. “I want to make better choices when I get out.”
UNICEF’s influence is evident throughout the prison, where recent renovations have fostered a more welcoming environment for young inmates. Previously, children were housed alongside adults, but with UNICEF’s support, a dedicated section has been established solely for those under 18. A newly constructed wall now separates this unit, ensuring a safer, age-appropriate space for young offenders. The vibrant paintings, completed in 2023, symbolise hope and transformation, reinforcing the notion that every child deserves a second chance. Through these multifaceted efforts, UNICEF is not only supporting individual children but also advocating for a more just and compassionate system that prioritises their rights and well-being.
Central Prison in Monrovia, Juvenile Unit © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
A Collective Responsibility
UNICEF, in collaboration with the Liberian government and dedicated local partners, is steadfast in its mission to build a safer, more nurturing environment for all children in Liberia. The heartfelt stories of children, families, and social workers underscore a shared commitment to upholding child protection and rights as essential pillars of progress.
Looking ahead, it is evident that achieving a future where every child in Liberia can grow, learn, and flourish demands the collective efforts of communities, organisations, and individuals alike. By collaborating, UNICEF aims to foster a society that not only values and protects its youngest members but also empowers them to realise their full potential. The organisation remains resolute in advocating for every child’s right to a safe, hopeful, and prosperous future.
