By Fiona Benson Kollie
The Joint Legislative Committee on Gender Equity, Child Development and Social Services; Judiciary; Internal Affairs; and Health on Friday (31st October) commenced a two-day expert and legislative consultation on the Draft Bill to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices in Liberia.
The session opened with Rep. Moima Briggs-Mensah, Chairperson of the Joint Committee, welcoming participants and calling the meeting to order, and delivering remarks on behalf of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, the House Chair on Education, Rep Nyan Flomo, reaffirming the Legislature’s commitment to respecting both culture and the Constitution, emphasizing the shared responsibility to protect all citizens.
Representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Atty. Laura Golakeh underscored the importance of safeguarding citizens from harmful practices, while the Deputy Minister of Justice, Cllr. Cora N. Hare Konuwa speaking as proxy for the Minister, stressed the need to balance cultural preservation with the protection of human rights.
The Women’s Legislative Caucus Chairperson, Rep. Ellen AttohWreh, welcomed the draft bill and called for proper legislative scrutiny with the involvement of everyone including the traditional leaders and rural women.
During Session One, Ms. Judy Gitau, Africa Regional Coordinator, delivered a presentation on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Legal and Policy Perspectives.
The representative from the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) also provided insights on Liberia’s obligations under CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and other international human rights treaties.
The consultative review continued Saturday ( 1st November) with further discussions among stakeholders and experts, aimed at strengthening the draft legislation for effective national implementation.