By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail.com
IPNEWS: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has strongly condemned what it described as acts of abuse, degrading treatment, and excessive corporal punishment inflicted on a 17-year-old student of the Berea Christian Academy of Excellence (BCAE) in the Sophie Community, Congo Town—an incident that reportedly resulted in the child’s hospitalization.
According to the Ministry, the level of corporal punishment meted out to the student constitutes a serious violation of the Children’s Law of Liberia and international child protection conventions to which Liberia is a signatory. The Ministry emphasized that any form of punishment that results in physical injury or psychological trauma is unlawful and unacceptable.
The MGCSP expressed grave concern for the well-being of the survivor, noting emerging reports that the child is experiencing additional medical complications following her discharge from St. Catholic Hospital. The Ministry disclosed that preliminary findings indicate the school’s authorities failed to provide first aid or seek immediate medical assistance after the incident, even when the student reportedly fainted and was left helpless as a result of the beating.
Further investigations by the Ministry, including video footage now in its possession, reveal what it termed a disturbing and systemic pattern of routine corporal punishment at Berea Christian Academy. According to the findings, several students bear visible scars and bodily injuries allegedly resulting from the school’s disciplinary practices, particularly when a student’s name appears on what is referred to as the school’s “Fire List.”
The Ministry reported that students placed on the “Fire List” are subjected to excessive beatings ranging from 20 to as many as 42 lashes. Such practices, the Ministry stated, have created an environment of fear, severely undermining students’ mental well-being and constituting serious violations of their fundamental rights.
“The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection denounces this inhumane treatment of children under the guise of discipline,” the release stated, reiterating the government’s commitment to enforcing national laws and international obligations that strictly prohibit corporal punishment and all forms of violence against children. The alleged actions of Berea Christian Academy of Excellence, the Ministry noted, represent clear breaches of these standards.
As part of its intervention, the Ministry has visited the survivor’s family to express regret over the incident and to provide support. The MGCSP said it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the child receives appropriate psychosocial care, while also extending assistance to the family through established child protection mechanisms.
The Ministry commended community residents, the Ministry of Education, and the student who reported the incident, noting that their actions contributed to a timely response and intervention.
Additionally, the Ministry of Gender has formally called on the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation and to prosecute all individuals found to have participated in, enabled, or failed to prevent the abuse.
While investigations remain ongoing, the Ministry urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding. It also encouraged citizens to report all cases of child abuse and gender-based violence through the National GBV Hotline 116.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection assured the public that it will continue to monitor the matter closely and provide updates as developments unfold.
