By Catherine K Conteh 

MONROVIA, July 31 (LINA) – In an important move to promote human rights and youth empowerment, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, celebrated the inauguration of the first cohort of the Young Human Rights Advocates Program. 

The event, held at the Catholic Archdiocesan Resource Center, St. Teresa Convent in Central Monrovia on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s efforts to foster human rights advocacy among young people, particularly women and girls.

The program is an initiative under the Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP), funded by the European Union and implemented by Messengers of Peace Liberia Inc., in collaboration with Internews and the Independent National Human Rights Commission of Liberia (INHRCL).

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Kollie expressed gratitude to the program's hosts and partners for their unwavering commitment to empowering the youth and promoting human rights through media and information dissemination. 

She stressed the program’s alignment with the shared vision of a just and equitable society, highlighting the critical importance of human rights advocacy for young women in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

According to her, the initiative is of great interest to the Ministry of Gender, adding that it aligns perfectly with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote rights-based initiatives aimed at addressing sexual and gender-based violence, workplace harassment, child abuse, trafficking, and child labor.

She underscored the crucial role of the media and information in highlighting injustices, raising awareness, and mobilizing action.

She expressed confidence that the program would empower young people to use media to amplify marginalized voices and address critical societal issues.

The Gender Minister concluded her statement with a call to support initiatives that advance human rights, gender equality, and social justice, fostering an environment where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. 

She extended profound gratitude to the European Union and all partners for their support and dedication.