She made the statement Wednesday at the end of a two-day retreat for stakeholders and actors, including international partners, against SGBV in Liberia, held at a local hotel in the Monrovia suburb of Sinkor.

Minister Cassel emphasized that Government and partners should muster the will to dismantle the culture of impunity that surrounds sexual violence and that stakeholders and actors should give priority to the fight against SGBV.

According Madam Cassel, the lack of accountability is the prime reason why these crimes continue to be perpetrated in Liberian society, noting that sexual violence is a human rights issue and a crime against humanity.

Minister Cassel said it was crucial for stakeholders and partners to support the joint program on SGBV financially and technically for the full implementation of the GBV National Plan of Action.

She stressed that it is the responsibility of every Liberian to prevent sexual violence because it is an impediment to the peaceful growth and empowerment of women and children.

By Calvin Brooks