So there is nothing called the issue of consent.”Her remarks came in response to suggestions that restricting FGM to adults would resolve human rights concerns. Culture Must Be Preserved Without HarmWhile firmly opposing FGM, the Deputy Minister emphasized that Liberia’s culture remains important and worthy of protection. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to ending FGM, describing it as both a legal issue and a human rights obligation. “Ending FGM is not only a legal matter; it is a human rights obligation,” she declared, noting that Liberia has ratified major international human rights treaties and must hold itself accountable to them. “We have a responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of young women and girls in Liberia,” she concluded.

Source: GNN Liberia March 17, 2026 10:04 UTC