Listening to Young Voices: Why Children Must Be Central to Liberia’s Transitional Justice Process

For children who lived through conflict, silence can be as painful as the memories themselves.

As Liberia advances its transitional justice process, the United Nations is underscoring one vital message: children’s rights and voices must be at the center of reconciliation and healing efforts.

UNICEF, working with national partners, continues to advocate for child‑sensitive justice mechanisms that recognize children not only as victims, but as survivors with rights, agency, and perspectives.

“Children experienced the conflict differently—and their experiences matter,” said a UNICEF child protection specialist. “Justice processes must protect them from further harm while helping them heal.”

For 18‑year‑old Sarah, whose childhood was shaped by displacement, acknowledgment matters. “We want our stories to be heard, so what happened does not happen again,” she said.

The United Nations supports Liberia in ensuring that truth‑telling, reparations, and institutional reforms are aligned with international child rights standards. This includes psychosocial support, safe participation mechanisms, and long‑term protection services.

Justice that includes children is justice that builds lasting peace.