Groups stand by child slavery report, urge international probe

The JPC, which is being taken to court along with another human rights organisation Focus over a report on child slavery in southeast Liberia, has said it stands by the report, Star radio reported today. JPC Director Stephen Wilson said the organisation was ready to defend itself in court against a case filed by four southeastern counties. A press statement by Focus, received by IRIN, said the Liberian government “seems bent on repeatedly denying the reality” in the counties of Sinoe, Maryland and Grand Kru. “We call on the public not to be carried away by such denials which are only aimed at diverting attention away from the inhumane treatment being meted out against the children,” the statement said. It called for an international investigation into the issue.