Liberia
Liberia is located along the coast of western Africa and is home to over 5.2 million people. Liberia is abundant in rivers and rainforests and rich in minerals like iron and diamonds.
However, decades of political instability have crippled Liberia’s chances of capitalizing on its natural resources. The civil war destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure and led to severe poverty.
In the 2010s, a devastating Ebola epidemic killed thousands and further hurt the economy. The recovery is slow and Liberia remains one of the countries in Africa with the lowest income.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Liberia since 1981.
Children are at risk
Children in Liberia face many issues including a lack of access to education and healthcare, extreme poverty, violence and more. Early life is difficult: more than a third of all deaths in children under the age of 5 happen in their first four weeks of life. Abuse, including rape, harassment and exploitation is common, especially against girls. In 2015, 89% of reported rape survivors were children. Finding decent employment is a challenge for young people, as the country’s economy and infrastructure are only just recovering from a 14-year civil war
14%
Of children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labour
Child labour
Child labour is common among many vulnerable communities in Liberia. 14% of children (aged 5-17 years) are engaged in some kind of labour. This is often as a result of human trafficking and they are involved in dangerous activities such as the production of rubber and the mining of gold and diamonds. Child labour deprives children of an education and this will make it harder for them to thrive in the future.
25%
Of children under 5 are registered at birth
Right to identity
Children who are not registered at birth cannot access basic rights and services. A proof of legal identity provides children with education and healthcare. Despite Liberia’s efforts to increase birth registrations through public health facilities, they remain one of the lowest in West Africa. In fact, only 25% of children under 5 are registered at birth. Challenges also stem from the complexity of the nationality legislation, where women are prevented from transmitting Liberian nationality under specific conditions.
1 in 3
Children under the age of 5 are too short for their age
Malnourishment
Malnourishment in Liberia is a major challenge. The country has one of the highest rates of stunting in the world. More specifically, 1 in 3 children under the age of 5 are stunted or too short for their age.
When children don’t get the nourishment required for them to grow up healthy, they are at higher risk of death from common illnesses. Stunting also affects brain function and the immune system, leading many children to perform poorly in school.
Together we can make a difference for children in Liberia
1,140
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
730
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
14,660
Medical services
Were possible
190
Children
Grow up in our care
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220
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
