VII.
MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE MISSION
After undertaking the above-mentioned activities, the Delegation of the
ACERWC identifies the following issues as forming part of its major findings.
7.1. On General Measures of Implementation
i.
Reporting on the implementation of the African Children Charter
(Submission of Periodic Report)
The Committee recalls that the first periodic report of the Government of
Liberia on measures taken for the implementation of the ACRWC was due in
2017. However, it was noted that even though the Government has finalized
preparations to submit its periodic report to the UNCRC, it has not taken any
steps towards submitting its periodic report to the ACERWC.
ii.
Legislative Measures
The Committee notes that various legislative measures have been taken to
enhance protection of the rights of children. These include: the enactment of
Adoption Law and establishment of adoption units at the Ministry of Gender,
Children and Social Protection; the enactment of the Descent Work Act of
Liberia 2015, enactment of the Domestic Violence Act of 2016, enactment of
the Affirmative Act and Inclusive Education Policy 2018 and the ratification of
the Protocol to the African Charter on the Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Rights of Women in Africa. The Committee also noted the establishment of a
Law Reform Commission.
iii.
Institutional measures and coordination:
The Committee notes the establishment of the Ministry of Gender, Children
and Social Protection in 2014 to address the issue of children protection and
welfare. However the Government is yet to expedite the operationalization of
the National Child Well-being Council with a clear mandate and adequate
human, financial and technical resources. Furthermore, lack of a systematic
data collection mechanism remains to be a challenge.
iv.
Child Friendly Budgeting:
The Committee notes that there is no clear link between child right laws and
budget hence making it difficult to implement child rights laws. Furthermore
the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is under resourced
heavily and reliant on partner funding.
7.2. On the Definition of the child and other age related requirements
The Committee notes that customary laws and inheritance law regarding the
age of marriage have not been harmonized with the Charter and the