Liberia's Gender Ministry commends President Weah for initiating DNA Machine

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has lauded H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah and the government for the purchase of a brand new DNA machine.

The Ministry believes that the machine will assist prosecutors in dispensing justice to rape survivors/victims whether dead or alive.

It can be recalled that in September of 2020, the government of Liberia and Partners developed and endorsed an Anti-Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Roadmap 2020-2022.

The Roadmap aims at addressing the scourge of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

During the launch of the Roadmap, President Weah committed to providing DNA machine amongst others to help in the adjudication of rape cases.

Presenting the DNA machine to the Ministry of Health on the observance of the International Women's Day, President Weah stated that for many years, criminal investigations in Liberia on sexual and gender-based violence have relied solely on victims’ complaints and medical examinations, leaving cases to be determined and adjudicated based only on circumstantial evidence.

"Today, I am happy to announce that a DNA testing machine is now in Liberia. This is a great step forward in bringing relief and justice to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as to the alleged perpetrators", the Liberian Leader said.

President Weah also encouraged medical practitioners to handle the DNA machine with care, in order to provide the intended and requisite services to the people of Liberia, particularly to women, girls, and children.