Africa-Press – Liberia. Roberto R. Cooper, Chairperson of the Liberia National Children Representative Forum, has called on the Government of Liberia to increase budgetary support and take urgent action to protect, educate, and empower the country’s children.
Cooper made the call during the joint celebration of the Day of the African Child and the World Day Against Child Labor, held on June 17 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia.
In his keynote address, Cooper urged national leaders to go beyond ceremonial support and make firm financial and policy commitments to children’s rights and welfare. He emphasized that children deserve more than symbolic attention and highlighted the importance of direct involvement of young people in decision-making.
“There is nothing for the children without the involvement of children,” Cooper said. “We are more than statistics. We are more than dreams for tomorrow. We are citizens of now, and we are calling for action, not promises.”
Cooper joined children from across the country in demanding stronger government efforts to address the challenges facing more than 2.5 million children in Liberia. He said many county-level programs lack funding, child welfare officers are underpaid, and thousands of children are being left behind due to limited services in education, health, protection, and empowerment.
He proposed several key recommendations for addressing these issues. Among them were the full implementation and localization of the Children’s Law and its amendments, the creation of a National Child Advancement Fund, and the inclusion of the Liberia National Children’s Forum in the 2026 National Budget.
He also called for the reactivation of children’s platforms across the country, expansion of scholarship programs, provision of free primary education, and increased investment in drug prevention programs and the reintegration of street children. Cooper further urged greater support for the Child Protection Network.
He recommended the creation of a National Child Well-Being Council to coordinate all child-related policies and programs nationwide. Cooper also expressed concern about the growing number of street children in counties such as Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Nimba. He said these children are not criminals but victims of broken systems and neglect.
“A nation that invests in children is a nation that invests in peace,” he said. “A nation that protects its children protects its future. And a nation that listens to children builds lasting transformation.”
Responding to Cooper’s message, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme Horace Kollie, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for children. She emphasized the importance of coordinated actions and the continued implementation of gender- and child-responsive budgeting.
UNICEF Liberia Representative Andrew Brooks joined the call for increased investment in children. While noting that Liberia’s allocation to children is higher than in some other countries in the region, he pointed out that the actual amount remains low and insufficient to meet the growing needs.
Other institutions, including Save the Children, the Child Protection Network, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Education, also pledged continued support for improving the lives of children across the country.
The celebration featured cultural performances, poetry, spoken word, songs, and speeches delivered by children from various parts of Liberia. These presentations called for immediate government action on child protection, education, and efforts to eliminate child labor.
In closing, Cooper urged members of the Liberia National Children’s Forum to remain united following the recent national elections. He called for reconciliation and teamwork among young leaders.
“Let us reconcile, forgive, unite, and work,” he said. “Because in peace, there is strength. And in unity, the children of Liberia will smile at the beautiful work we have done.”
The event, which brought together hundreds of children, government officials, civil society leaders, and development partners, was held under the national theme: “Investing in Our Future: Prioritizing Child Rights and Ending Child Labour through Budget and Action.” It was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with national and international partners.
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