Monrovia, Liberia – Montserrado County District #7 Representative, Hon. Emmanuel Dahn, has expressed deep frustration over the rising cases of mental illness in Liberia, describing it as a “silent killer” that must be urgently addressed. In response, he is preparing to introduce a bill aimed at establishing the Liberia National Rehabilitation Commission (LNRC).
In a passionate statement, Representative Dahn highlighted the devastating impact of drug addiction, wrongful imprisonment, and lack of rehabilitation for victims of abuse. He stressed that mental illness has become a major contributor to premature deaths, exacerbating societal issues such as suicide, drug dependency, and stigmatization.”It deeply pains me every day to witness our youth and older individuals falling prey to drug addiction, often without hope of recovery.
I am troubled by the mental deterioration of victims of sexual abuse who do not receive adequate rehabilitation.
Wrongful imprisonment and convictions also lead to mental injuries due to a lack of therapeutic treatment,” he stated.Recognizing the urgent need for a national rehabilitation framework, Representative Dahn has drafted a bill proposing the formation of the LNRC. The Commission would focus on rehabilitating victims of crime, drug abuse, disasters, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, including the elderly and unemployed individuals.Key Objectives of the BillThe draft preamble of the bill outlines several critical concerns:The increasing rate of drug addiction, which poses a serious threat to national security and economic stability.The need for a structured rehabilitation system to support vulnerable groups, including victims of abuse, abandoned children, and persons with disabilities.The limitations of existing government agencies, such as the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Liberia Refugee, Repatriation, and Resettlement Commission, in addressing the current mental health crisis.According to Hon. Dahn, the LNRC would consolidate efforts to tackle these pressing issues by providing comprehensive rehabilitation services and reintegration programs.
The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the coming legislative session, with hopes that it will receive bipartisan support.Stakeholders in mental health advocacy and social welfare have already begun rallying behind the initiative, calling it a necessary step toward addressing Liberia’s growing mental health crisis.As discussions around the bill gain momentum, Representative Dahn remains committed to ensuring that the LNRC becomes a reality, providing much-needed support for individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction across Liberia.
