IPNews-Monrovia: Reports reaching the authoritative IPNews says Social Activist Chris Harris and wife have gone missing following recent strong statement condemning the practice of ‘Female Genital Mutilation’ in Liberia.
According family sources, Activist Harris and wife was last seen November 8, 2009, following repeated visits of men believed to be traditional men commonly known as ‘Zoes’.
A source bagging not to be named told IPNews that men are requesting Activist Chris Harris and wife Decontee Moore Harris pay huge traditional fines for casting unacceptable comments against their ancient society.
The men according to a neighbor who confided in IPNews, are also seeking the summons of Mrs Decontee Harris to join the secret society for exposing some hiding mysteries of their traditional order.
Our source narrated further the men told Activist Harris that if he does not turnover his wife, they will be force to invoke their traditional mandate, as Liberia was no western country to begin questioning the practice of FGM.
It may be recalled Liberia’s Social Activist, Chris Harris, of the Foundation for peace And Justice of Liberia, told Journalist in Monrovia that the practice of ‘female genital mutilation’, is ‘barbaric and cruel evil’.
Activist Harris said the practice has caused unexplained mental pains for victim of the practice, most of whom are initiated against their well.
He stated that it was time national government step-up to the plate to ensure the practice is abolished.
“This cruel act by some of our people in the name of tradition has to stop.”
“My wife, Decontee Moore Harris cannot join such wicked society, because I know others have suffered from such emotional stressed for many years.
“So when, it is time for us to join in one voice and speak against the practice of FGM.” Chris Harris told reporters in Monrovia.
In recent days, the Foundation for peace And Justice of Liberia, has embarked on series of sensitization initiatives for community dwellers on the danger of HIV/AIDS and the harmful practice of female genital mutilation-FGM
It may be recalled former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, issued Executive Order # among other things banned the practice of FGM for girls below 18 years.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia, the Foundation for peace And Justice of Liberia, Social Activist observed that the Executive Order is an ‘effective tool in protecting girls against FGM.
The groups attributed the ineffectiveness of previous Executive Order to the “lack of knowledge on the existence of the ban and lack of a coordinated multi –sectoral implementation of the ban by state agencies.”
“It has been noted that even with the existence of the executive order, there has been an increase in the number of bushes with practice extending to 11 counties from the previous 10 counties, the newest being Grand Gedeh County,’’ Activist Harris said.
Against this backdrop, the Foundation for peace And Justice of Liberia, wants government and its partners to ensure that tighter and permanent laws are passed to ensure the total protection of women and girls from the harmful practice.
“Most importantly we are calling on the 53th Legislature to ensure a permanent protection of women and girls against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in adherence to the many regional and international human rights instruments that Liberia subscribes to by legislating a law prohibiting the practice in the country in a soonest possible time.
The Social Activist stated that the human rights of women and girls cannot be compromised under this popular regime of the Liberian people,” the group noted.
By legislating anti-FGM law, the group asserted that the government will be fulfilling some of its promises made through the Deputy Minister of Justice during the 123rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva towards the promotion its citizens’ human rights including fighting against harmful traditional and cultural practices as enshrined in article 5b of the Liberian Constitution.
