The Spotlight Initiative Donates Forensic Equipment to the Government of Liberia

The Spotlight Initiative, jointly implemented by the Government of Liberia and the United Nations with funding from the European Union, has procured DNA machines and forensic equipment to aid the gathering of scientific evidence to prosecute suspected sexual offenders in Liberia. Over the last few years, the Government of Liberia has depended on foreign pathologists to perform postmortem pathological examinations, especially in cases of rape and murder. The lack of forensic evidence to prosecute often lead to overcrowded court dockets, prolonged pre-trial detentions and the legal release of alleged perpetrators due to lack of evidence.

Speaking at the occasion, UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, stressed that use of the equipment builds on best practices and lessons learnt on the prosecution of SGBV crimes, harmful traditional practices, and violations of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights regionally and globally. He stated, “It is expected that the assorted forensic equipment including offices supplies and stationaries will further provide support to the government to ensure the adjudication of SGBV cases in a timely manner based on scientific evidence collected”.

The Spotlight Initiative, as the vital partnership between the European Union, United Nations and The Government of Liberia, aims, among other things, to support the clinical and legal response to SGBV through the establishment of a well-equipped forensic diagnostic unit/ system. It is expected that this system will help prosecute SGBV offences and eventually influence Liberian men and boys to protect girls and women and enable their equal participation in all spheres of life.  It can be recalled that in 2019, the UNDP also procured and handed over one vehicle (Toyota high-top Land cruiser pickup) to support pathologists collect real time specimen and decentralize empirical evidence gathering and forensic services in leeward counties and provide in-service trainings for pathologists and technicians on the operation of new equipment procured.

The forensic laboratory, when established, will have the capacity for immediate and effective preservation of human remains of interest and performance of timely DNA analysis and autopsy.