Through working with partners, UNICEF is helping to build community based support networks -- such as child welfare committees, children’s clubs, and youth groups --  which provide essential psycho-social and family reunification support to vulnerable children.

The Children’s Unit in the Ministry of Gender and Development is also being strengthened to monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In aid of juvenile justice, UNICEF is supporting the National Child Rights Observatory Group, an independent body for monitoring and following up on child rights violations.

UNICEF is collaborating with the UN Civilian Police in the training of the new Liberian National Police on child rights, child protection, and on the management and investigation of sexual and gender based violence. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NGO partners to ensure that the care and protection services provided to children living in orphanages meet basic international standards and protects the best interests of children.

Recently, there has been improvement in the protection of children from violence, exploitation and abuse, but much remains to be done.  UNICEF’s child protection projects aim for lasting change.

Since the end of the conflict, and as a result of UNICEF’s work, a total of 11,780 children associated with fighting forces have been disarmed, demobilised and reunited with their families.  With schooling, vocational training and therapy there is hope that these children will one day lead normal lives.