Liberia

Summary

In the context of sexual violence against men and boys in Liberia, several past events are relevant. Between 1989 and 2003, Liberia experienced two violent civil wars, during which sexual violence and the use and abuse of child soldiers were prevalent. Furthermore, some Liberian actors were heavily involved in the civil war in it’s neighboring country, Sierra Leone, including former president and convicted war criminal Charles G. Taylor.

Today, in post-conflict Liberia, sexual violence remains prevalent. Although Liberian criminal law regarding sexual violence is gender-neutral, cases prosecuting sexual violence against men or boys could not be found. Furthermore, existing anti-LGBT legislation may deter men from reporting sexual violence.

Ground Report

Available soon.

International Treaties

1. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (adopted 17 July 1998, entered into force 1 July 2002) 2187 UNTS 3.

2. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (adopted 16 December 1966, entered into force 23 March 1976) 999 UNTS 171 (ICCPR).

3. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (adopted 16 December 1966, entered into force 3 January 1976) 993 UNTS 3 (ICESCR).

4. Convention on the Rights of the Child (adopted 20 November 1989, entered into force 2 September 1990) 1577 UNTS 3 (CRC).

5. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (adopted 10 December 1984, entered into force 26 June 1987) 1465 UNTS 85 (CAT).

Regional Treaties

1. African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (adopted 27 June 1981, entered into force 21 October 1986) 21 ILM 58 (African Charter).

2. African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (adopted 11 July 1990, entered into force 29 November 1999).

3. African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention, adopted 23 October 2009, entered into force 6 December 2012).

Domestic Law

Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, 1986

Penal Law, 1976 (Revised)

An Act to Amend the New Penal Code Chapter 14 Sections 14.70 and 14.71 and to Provide for Gang Rape (Rape Law of 2005), 2005

An Act Amending Title 17 of the Revised Code of Laws of Liberia, Known as the Judiciary Law of 1972 By Adding Thereto a New Chapter to be Known as Chapter 25 Establishing Criminal Court “E” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, and Special Divisions of the Circuit Courts of Other Counties of the Republic to Have Exclusive Original Jurisdiction Over the Crimes of Rape, Gang Rape, Aggravated Involuntary Sodomy, Involuntary Sodomy, Voluntary Sodomy, Corruption of Minors, Sexual Abuse of Wards and Sexual Assault Respectively, (Act Establishing Criminal Court “E”), 2008

The Domestic Violence Act of 2019

Executive Order No. 131 Establishing the Office of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, 2024 (subsequently confirmed by the parliament)

Case Law: International Criminal Tribunals

Special Court for Sierra Leone

Prosecutor v. Charles Ghankay Taylor (Special Court for Sierra Leone)

At the time of his indictment, Charles G. Taylor was the sitting President of Liberia. Before and during his tenure, he was heavily involved in both Liberian civil wars, as well as the civil war in Sierra Leone by providing military support and strategic direction to the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) .

Case citation: SCSL-03-01

Timeline: Indictment on 7 March 2003; arrest on 29 March 2006; opening of trial on 4 June 2007, resuming of trial on 7 January 2008; closing arguments on 9-11 March 2011; judgment on 26 April 2012; appeal judgment (denial of appeal) on 26 September 2013

Charges: The indictment of 2003 contained 17 counts of crimes under the SCSL statute. In March 2006, an amended indictment reduced the numbers of counts to 11.
1 Count Acts of Terrorism
2 Counts Unlawful Killings

3 Counts Sexual Violence

2 Counts Crimes Relating to Physical Violence
1 Count Crimes Relating to Child Soldiers

1 Count Abductions and Forced Labour
1 Count Pillage

Notable Information:

In the 2012 judgment, as part of the factual and legal findings on alleged crimes, multiple counts of sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery and outrages upon personal dignity are discussed. Although the discussion mentions the treatment of men by the perpetrators, for instance, forcing husbands witness the rape of their female family members or forcing male family members to rape their female family members (e.g. para. 876), they are not considered victims in the case and are not referred to as victims in the discussion of factual and legal findings or any other parts of the judgment.

Case Law: Domestic Courts

No cases regarding sexual violence against men or boys has been brought to the Supreme Court of Liberia.
A database of circuit court judgments could not be found. If you have additional information, please email us.