IPNEWS: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has welcomed a statement from theq Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) affirming its’ full cooperation with the Government of the Republic of South Korea, on allegations of rape of minors by two Liberian government officials.

According to LiMA, Moses Owen Browne (Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO) and Mr. Daniel Tarr (Director of the Department of Marine Environmental Protection), were in South Korea attending the International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG SMART Practical Training and Study Visit (September 19-23, 2022) when this
alleged incident occurred.

The Ministry finds the allegations of rape disturbing, distressing and a matter that goes completely against the mores of Liberia’s commitment to fighting the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence. As is known, Liberia has a Presidential declaration on rape as a
national emergency. As such, MGCSP condemns these alleged sexual misbehaving acts by government agents and considers same as unacceptable and inexcusable. If confirmed, this
will have the propensity to further undermine Liberia’s fight against rape and poses a setback in achieving Goal 5 of the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which highlights the urgent need to ending violence and exploitation of women and girls.

The Ministry appreciates LiMA for reaffirming its’ zero tolerance stance on any and all types of sexual and gender-based violence cases as contained in the September 23, 2022 press release: “Liberia Maritime Authority unequivocally maintains a zero tolerance stance on any and all types of sexual and gender-based offenses, and views these allegations of the conduct of its Officials as most egregious, having no place in any civilized society.”

Gender Ministry calls on the Liberia Maritime Authority to where applicable, immediately recall these Officials, and if found guilty, LiMA should not hesitate in taking appropriate actions against them, to include dismissal and the pursuance of sentencing, as is allowed under the laws and jurisdictions of both South Korea and Liberia.

MGCSP admonishes all government officials and the Liberian populace at large, to be circumspect in daily interactions at home or abroad, and to continue to join hands with GoL in the fight against Sexual and Gender-based Violence.