President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has sent a condolence message to the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya, following a police helicopter crash which occurred near Nairobi, killing all six occupants including the International Security Minister, George Saioti and his Deputy Orwa Ojode.

A Foreign Ministry release said President Johnson-Sirleaf who expressed shock and dismay over the incident on behalf Liberia, extended profound sympathy and deepest condolences to President Mwai Kibaki, and through him, to the Government and people of Kenya, particularly the bereaved families, for the irreparable loss sustained.

She also prayed that the Almighty God will receive the souls of the departed-ones into His bosom as He grants solace to their families and loved-ones.

In another development, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has issued a Proclamation declaring Saturday, June 16, 2012 as The Day of The African Child to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday.

The Proclamation calls upon all citizens and foreign residents within the Republic, national and international organizations as well as government agencies concerned to join the Ministry of Gender and Development to mobilize and execute appropriate programs befitting the occasion.

The Proclamation notes that the significance of the Declaration and observance of the Day of The African Child is in memory of hundreds of school children who were brutally massacred in June of 1976 in Soweto by the then apartheid regime of South Africa.

A Foreign Ministry release says Liberian children will join other children across the African continent to celebrate the Day Of The African Child under the Theme: “Advocating For Children With Disabilities”.

The Proclamation further says Liberia as a member of the United Nations, has reaffirmed its commitment to nurture and protect the children of Liberia at all times.

The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of the National Legislature which guarantees the full protection of children from all forms of deprivation and abuse.

According to the release, the National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia in adherence to the Convention of the Rights of the child ratified said instrument.