By Julius Konton
The leadership of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), has intensified its collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The collaboration is part of renewed national efforts to protect children and eliminate violence against minors across the country.
Led by AFELL President Counselor Philomena T. Williams, and Board Co-Chair, Justice Felicia Coleman, the AFELL delegation held a high-level strategic meeting with UNICEF Liberia Country Director, Andy Brooks and his senior management team.
The engagement focused on reinforcing joint interventions for child protection, access to justice, and the prevention of abuse and exploitation.
The meeting comes at a critical moment for Liberia, where child protection remains a pressing concern.
According to UNICEF and national data, more than six in ten Liberian children experience physical violence before the age of 18, while sexual violence particularly against girls, continues to pose serious social and legal challenges.
The country youthful population, with over 40 percent are under the age of 15.
The process underscores the urgency of sustained, systemic interventions.
During the discussions, AFELL and UNICEF reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and protective environment, free from fear and exploitation.
Key areas of collaboration identified include legal and policy reform; strengthening the enforcement of child protection laws, including the Children’s Law of 2011, and advocating for reforms that close legal gaps and enhance accountability for perpetrators of abuse.
Founded in 1994, AFELL has played a pivotal role in shaping gender and child justice landscape.
The organization has been instrumental in landmark legal reforms, advocacy against sexual violence, and the provision of free legal services to vulnerable women and children.
UNICEF has meanwhile, reaffirms support for national child protection efforts.
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