Youth Groups Warn Poverty, Unemployment Threaten Liberian Families; Reject "Imported Anti-Rights Agendas"

Monrovia, May 21 -- More than 10 youth advocacy groups in Liberia, including the Federation of Liberian Youth, have identified rising unemployment and poverty as major threats weakening Liberian families and undermining national development.

By Obediah Johnson, [e-mail]

In a joint statement issued in Monrovia, the groups said many young Liberians continue to grow up without access to accurate health information, safe spaces, mentorship, mental health support, livelihood opportunities, and protection from exploitation, drugs, peer pressure, online abuse, and violence.

The organizations noted that many young people are struggling with substance abuse, limited access to skills training, and the absence of ...