United Nations in Liberia

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. The UN in Liberia, the Government and Partners are ensuring that the 17 SDGs are achieved in Liberia although emphases are attached to those relevant to the country context.

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Speech

06 March 2026

International Women’s Day OP-ED MARYAM BUKAR HASSAN United Nations Global Peace Advocate

I do not write about women because it is fashionable.I write because history has always been written about us without us. It has been written about wars we did not start and peace tables where we were absent. About economies that grow while our communities fracture.About rights declared, and rights denied to us. So I ask the question: How do we write ourselves into the narrative of power?” Is it through the systems we inherit, or the systems we dare to question?Is it by participation in name, or participation in numbers?Is justice a principle we recite, or a practice we enforce? International Women’s Day 2026 Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls insists that these questions cannot remain rhetorical. They demand answers, action, and new perspectives. In one of my poems, I asked: “Isn’t it time to break the old patterns?For what you think you know can still be a cage.” I found myself performing this poem, Break the Old Patterns, on multiple global stages because that line resonated with women globally. Because “cages are not always visible.”They are assumptions and traditions that outlive their usefulness.They are also systems that reward conformity over creativity and tokenism over transformation.Societies are similar, and when half the population is treated as peripheral, potential is lost. When leadership reflects only narrow perspectives, solutions are limited. When rights exist in theory but not in practice, legitimacy erodes and impunity thrives.This is not an ideological claim, it is empirical. Consider peace processes; during the course of my work, I have advocated within international forums that sustainable peace requires women’s participation, not as symbolic observers but as negotiators, leaders, and decision-makers. Evidence supports this position: Agreements that include women are more durable.Communities that engage diverse voices recover faster.Security that values human dignity is more stable. Peacebuilding and governance often focus on systems and structures and yes they must. But systems ultimately exist to serve people.The theme of IWD 2026 challenges institutions and societies to evaluate themselves honestly. Are women’s rights fully protected?Are economic opportunities equitable? Do cultural narratives honor contribution rather than stereotype? Do security and peace processes reflect diverse perspectives? These questions are uncomfortable because they demand change and discomfort is the beginning of growth.Break the Old Patterns gained global resonance because it named what many already sensed: that transformation requires imagination and courage.“Watch as the sky learns how to stretch its boundaries,” I wrote. Boundaries are not permanent; they expand when societies choose to expand them. I have seen the vast spectrum of women’s contribution to global systems, to peace.It is boundless and it is indispensable. And yet it remains unevenly recognized. This is the paradox of our moment: unprecedented discourse about inclusion alongside persistent gaps in authority.Women attend negotiations, but they do not always shape outcomes.Girls access education, but they do not always inherit systems that value their voices. Communities celebrate progress, but structural barriers remain.Rights exist on paper, but justice for women and girls often remains aspirational. The question, then, is not whether change is desirable. It is whether we possess the intellectual and political will to make it irreversible.My work as a United Nations Global Peace Advocate and cultural communicator has taught me that change requires two simultaneous movements:The first is structural: Policies, budgets, and institutional frameworks that convert ideals on women’s rights and participation into measurable outcomes. I’ve seen how United Nations Peacekeeping pursues this daily, from supporting women peacekeepers on the ground to advocating for women’s participation in peace negotiations, working to ensure that women’s place at the table is meaningful, safe, and enduring.The second is cultural: Narratives that shape how societies imagine possibility, which through and through means leveraging imagination as infrastructure. If women are depicted only as beneficiaries, they will remain peripheral to decision-making. If they are depicted as architects, their perspectives become foundational.This is where we must look at International Women’s Day beyond commemoration.As I once said in my address on the United Nations 45th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: “May we keep expanding. May we keep insisting. May we keep building a world where equality is no longer an ambition, but a norm so natural that future generations wonder why it ever had to be fought for.” That remains the challenge before us.And today I write this not as an observer but as a participant in the global conversation about peace, women’s rights, and power. As someone who has witnessed the courage of women in institutions and communities. As someone who believes that storytelling shapes policy.As someone who insists that change is possible. The task before us is immense.But history teaches that transformation begins with belief. Belief that better systems can be built, that inclusion strengthens societies, and that women should not be an afterthought but a foundational norm.Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls. From all communities.For a world still striving to become what it promises. This is the work of our generation.Let us meet it with conviction. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------### About the author: Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) is a Nigerian poet and spoken-word artist. In 2025 she was appointed as the first-ever UN Advocate for Peace. She focuses on empowering women and youth, using storytelling to promote dialogue and inclusion, particularly following her experience with conflict in Nigeria. She champions the leadership of women and youth in peace processes, amplifying voices of those affected by conflict, and connect UN peacebuilding efforts to diverse, global audiences. She advances the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas.

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Story

09 April 2026

Saving Mothers, Strengthening Systems: Advancing Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths in Liberia

When Mary Johnson went into labor at JFK Maternity Hospital, she did not know whether the complications she faced would be manageable. What she did know was that timely care could make the difference between life and death.Across Liberia, too many women still face preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Strengthening maternity care is therefore not only a health priority—it is a matter of human rights.To support Liberia’s commitment to end preventable maternal deaths, the United Nations, through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has donated life‑saving medical equipment and essential supplies to the JFK Maternity Hospital, the country’s largest referral facility.The donation includes delivery beds, fetal dopplers, emergency obstetric kits, and infection‑prevention supplies—critical tools that frontline health workers rely on every day to provide safe, dignified maternity care.“Every woman deserves the right to give birth safely, regardless of where she lives,” said a UNFPA representative. “This support strengthens national systems and directly improves the quality of care for mothers and newborns.”For midwives like Esther Kparn, the difference is immediate. “With the right equipment, we can work faster, safer, and with more confidence,” she said. “It saves lives.”This intervention is part of the UN’s broader support to Liberia’s National Health Policy and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‑being for all. Working as One UN, agencies continue to support the Government to expand access to skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, and reproductive health services across the country.Because behind every statistic is a mother, a child, and a family whose future depends on safe care—at the right time.

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Story

15 April 2026

Liberia Advances Trade Standards and Food Safety with EU Supported UN Partnership

Liberia has taken an important step toward strengthening its national quality infrastructure and enabling inclusive economic growth with the commissioning of the newly renovated headquarters and laboratories of the Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA). The facility was officially inaugurated by H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., marking renewed national momentum to improve market regulation, food safety, and trade competitiveness.The intervention reflects sustained collaboration between the Government of Liberia, the European Union, and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), aligned with national priorities to strengthen institutions, protect public health, and expand opportunities for Liberian producers in regional and global markets.Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai underscored the central role of standards in economic transformation and consumer protection, noting that stronger regulatory systems are essential to preventing the circulation of unsafe and substandard goods, while enabling farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to meet international market requirements.Strengthening Institutions for Trade, Health and DevelopmentEstablished under the 2022 Liberia Standards Authority Act, LiSA is mandated to oversee standardization, testing, and certification services. The upgraded facility enhances the Authority’s ability to deliver reliable conformity assessment services—an essential pillar for trade facilitation, food safety, and private sector confidence.The renovation and modernization were delivered through an EU‑funded food safety initiative implemented by the UNIDO, providing comprehensive technical and infrastructure support to strengthen national systems. Investments included modern laboratory fittings, training and testing facilities, reliable water and hybrid energy systems, and institutional capacity‑building to improve service delivery and long‑term sustainability.At the event, the United Nations reiterated that the commissioning goes beyond infrastructure, representing a strategic investment in governance, public health, and economic resilience. Strong national standards systems are a prerequisite for effective regulation, safer food systems, and expanded export opportunities—particularly for smallholder farmers and agri‑food enterprises.Delivering Results through UN CollaborationThe commissioning of LiSA’s upgraded facilities demonstrates how coordinated UN support, aligned with government leadership and EU financing, can deliver tangible development results. It contributes directly to Liberia’s efforts to build strong institutions, promote inclusive economic growth, and advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the refurbished laboratories, which are expected to begin delivering enhanced testing and certification services immediately—benefiting producers, consumers, and the broader economy.

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Story

09 March 2026

When we lift women, we lift generations

To commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, I was invited by the EU Chamber of Commerce in Liberia to reflect on the theme “Give to Gain: Realising Women’s Potential.” As a Rwandan woman whose life was shaped by exile, resilience and the generosity of others, I found myself returning to my own journey. For me, “Give to Gain” is not an abstract idea. It is something I have lived. I know what it means when one person opens a door for a girl who cannot yet see her future. I know what becomes possible when someone offers encouragement just as hope is fading. When women and girls are given opportunity, support and freedom to choose their path, the gains reach far beyond one individual. Families gain. Communities gain. Nations gain. When someone believes in you I began life as a refugee girl in Uganda. I went to school in one pair of oversized shoes, bought large so they would last for years. My parents could not afford to send me to secondary school, and I began to believe there was no future for me beyond primary education. I refused to sit for my exams because I saw no reason to continue. What I lacked was not ability. What I lacked was hope. My teacher, Miss Robbinah, refused to let my story end there. She took me into her home, encouraged me, cared for me, and urged me to sit for the exams. She believed in me when I could no longer believe in myself. I passed with distinction and received a scholarship to continue my education. That moment taught me a lesson that still guides me today: when you give to a girl, you help build a future. My father loved me deeply, but like many men of his generation, he feared that my dreams were too big. He did not believe that a refugee girl should aspire too high. He imagined a smaller life for me, shaped by caution rather than possibility. I continued through school on scholarships and eventually made it to university. Some professors openly questioned whether girls belonged in law school at all. I decided to leave. My cousin found me as I was preparing to walk away and asked whether I truly wanted to leave, or whether I was being pushed out. I told him that I loved studying law. He simply said, “Then stay.” And I stayed. Later, during political tensions in Uganda, my parents were forced into refugee camps and I lost all trace of them for one year. I did not know where they were or whether they were safe. While other students went home during breaks, I remained behind with nowhere to go. A university warden allowed me to stay in student housing and encouraged me not to give up. Later, with support from UNHCR, I was able to find my parents living in extremely difficult conditions in a camp. I wanted to quit. Life felt too heavy. But once again, someone helped me carry on. That experience taught me another truth: we rise because someone, somewhere, chooses to hold us up. And when we are able to stand again, we must do the same for others. Women rebuilding, women leading As a young woman, I became involved in activism. We asked difficult questions about exile, dignity and the future of our people. Some warned that politics and public life were not spaces for women. But I believed then, and still believe now, that every generation must decide whether it will simply endure history or help shape what comes next. After the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which claimed nearly one million lives, including more than 30 members of my own family, rebuilding required courage from across society. Women were central to that effort. They carried grief, trauma and responsibility, yet still chose to rebuild. They supported survivors, restored communities and helped shape a national future. That history left a lasting impression on me. Give women space, and a nation gains strength. Give women opportunity, and a society gains resilience. Years later, while serving in the United Nations, I met a 15-year-old girl in a refugee camp in another country. She had been forced into marriage at 12 and had suffered abuse. After hearing my story, she looked at me and asked, “Do you think I can ever make it like you?” I told her, “If I could do it, you can too.” She left that abusive marriage, returned to school, and today dreams of becoming a doctor. That encounter reminded me that encouragement matters. A story matters. A door opened at the right time matters. A call to open more doors For me, women’s empowerment has never meant forcing women into one model of success. True empowerment means freedom: freedom to lead, to study, to work, to care, and to choose one’s own path and be respected in that choice. This is why “Give to Gain” matters not only to governments and international organizations, but also to businesses, employers and community leaders. They can mentor young women, open professional doors, support women’s leadership, and create workplaces where women can thrive in safety and dignity. These are not acts of charity. They are investments in stronger institutions, stronger economies and stronger societies. I stand where I do today because people gave something to me along the way: belief, courage, shelter, guidance and opportunity. That is why I believe so strongly that when we lift one woman, we do not lift her alone. We lift families. We lift communities. We lift generations. As we mark International Women’s Day this year, that is both my gratitude and my call to action. Too many girls still grow up with talent but without opportunity, ambition but without support, dreams but without pathways. Let us choose to mentor, to invest, to listen and to open doors. Let us make giving a way of life, knowing that in helping one person rise, we help build a better world for all.

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Woman standing to speak with a microphone

Story

06 March 2026

UN in Liberia Applauds Government’s Ambitious 2026–2030 Economic Governance Reforms

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Liberia’s renewed push for fiscal transparency, digital transformation, and accountable governance following the launch of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s (MFDP) 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.Unveiled at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, the plan lays out a transformative five‑year roadmap aimed at strengthening public financial management, modernizing systems, and enhancing service delivery across the country. The ceremony brought together government leaders, lawmakers, the diplomatic corps, civil society, and development partners, signaling broad national support for the reform agenda. A Reform Blueprint for Fiscal Discipline and TransparencyAccording to the MFDP, the strategy is grounded in lessons learned from previous reform cycles and incorporates extensive consultations across government and with development partners. Outgoing Deputy Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones emphasized that the blueprint emerged from a deep analysis of past successes, gaps, and missed opportunities. He noted that digital transformation will be a central pillar of Liberia’s economic governance renewal. The plan outlines key targets expected to reshape Liberia’s fiscal landscape by 2030, including:Raising the revenue‑to‑GDP ratio to 35%Reducing the debt‑to‑GDP ratio below 45%Achieving clean audit outcomesEnsuring that 95% of government payments are processed electronicallyScaling modern financial management systems across all government entities Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan described the strategic plan as a “working instrument for national renewal,” stressing that Liberia’s development ambitions depend on disciplined execution and strengthened accountability. He urged public servants to view the reforms not as bureaucratic requirements but as obligations owed to the Liberian people. UN Resident Coordinator Launches the Strategic PlanSpeaking on behalf of the United Nations, UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni officially launched the plan, lauding it as a bridge between national aspirations and measurable development impact. She noted that the government’s commitment to stronger fiscal governance aligns with global standards for sustainable development and enhances Liberia’s capacity to implement its national development agenda. Her remarks reinforced the UN’s continued support for Liberia’s governance reforms, particularly at a time when the country is preparing a new National Development Plan (NDP) and a future United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). A United Nations Country Team Aligned With Liberia’s Development VisionThe launch of the MFDP Strategic Plan comes at a moment when UNCT Liberia is deepening its collective support to the Government through strengthened coordination, joint programming, and evidence‑driven policy engagement. In an earlier UNCT retreat at the Farmington Hotel, RC Umutoni emphasized the importance of harmonized action among the 21 UN agencies working in Liberia to deliver transformative results under the theme “Working Together Towards Liberia’s Transformation.” Participants—including government agencies, development partners, civil society, and Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee—highlighted that sustainable development must be anchored in dignity, peace, and inclusive governance. This aligns strongly with the MFDP’s stated priorities of accountability, transparency, and service delivery. Strengthening Partnerships for Liberia’s Economic RenewalThe UN Country Team recognizes the MFDP Strategic Plan as a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic transformation agenda. By focusing on modernization, digitalization, debt sustainability, and public accountability, the plan provides a robust foundation for long‑term resilience and inclusive growth.UNCT Liberia remains committed to supporting the Government in the implementation of these reforms through technical assistance, capacity development, policy alignment, and strengthened coordination mechanisms. As Liberia forges ahead with its 2026–2030 economic governance agenda, the UN stands ready—delivering as one, leaving no one behind, and championing a future of transparency, stability, and shared prosperity.

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Press Release

26 March 2026

EU and UN Join Forces to Put Victims at the Heart of Liberia’s Ongoing Legal Reforms

PRESS RELEASE
EU and UN Join Forces to Put Victims at the Heart of Liberia’s Ongoing Legal Reforms
Monrovia, 26 February 2026
The European Union, in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has officially launched a new project titled Strengthening Victim Centred Transitional Justice Mechanisms in Liberia during a workshop organized for parliamentary staff on transitional justice. The initiative represents a major step forward promoting justice, accountability, reconciliation and sustainable peace in the country. With an investment of over USD 724,000 covering 2026 and 2027, the project ensures that those most affected by past crimes are no longer sidelined while supporting national efforts to establish credible and inclusive accountability mechanisms.
The Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Liberia, Zoltan Szalai said: “This initiative reflects the European Union’s strong and long-standing commitment to the people of Liberia in their pursuit of justice and accountability. A victim centred approach is essential to rebuilding trust, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that the painful experiences of the past are acknowledged. The European Union will continue to stand with Liberia in advancing a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society where no one is left behind.”
The Representative of OHCHR in Liberia, Christian Mukosa, said: “OHCHR is committed to ensuring this project bolsters the results obtained this far by national stakeholders, including with the support of OHCHR, to ensure the operationalization of victim-centred judicial mechanisms such as the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC) brings redress to victims of past gross human rights violations and corruption-related offences to contribute to reconciliation and prevent recurrence.”
The initiative provides crucial technical support to build credible and inclusive systems for the establishment of the WECC and the NACC. By working alongside the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L), and the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the project will contribute to the training and reinforce the technical capacity of national investigators, prosecutors, and judges to handle complex cases while ensuring that victims and witnesses feel safe, heard, and protected.
Considering that Justice happens both in the courtroom and in the community, this project extends its reach to civil society organisations, the academia, and the media to monitor the process effectively. It also creates a vital safety net for whistleblowers and human rights
defenders so they can speak truth to power without fear. Through targeted community engagement, the initiative ensures that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are lead architects of the reconciliation process and the development of the country.
For more information, please contact: Jesadeh Boley Nyakonah Jesadeh.BOLEY@eeas.europa.eu +231 881 937 048
Or
Christian Mukosa
mukosa@un.org
+231 779 309 675

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Press Release

29 January 2026

OHCHR strengthens the capacity of Liberian lawyers on transitional justice principles and accountability for past violations

Today marks the end of a two-day specialized workshop to strengthen the capacity of Liberian lawyers on transitional justice and accountability for past crimes. The training has started on 28 January in Monrovia organized jointly by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) and the Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH).
“As the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC) moves forward, it is essential to ensure that national lawyers are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the design, implementation, and operationalization of these two courts in alignment with international human rights norms and standards, including to support victims’ participation and to uphold international due process and fair trial standards” said Mr. Christian Mukosa, Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General , the representative of the Judiciary, the Law Reform Commission Chair, the Dean of the School of Law, the Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator highlighted the importance of this training for the Liberian lawyers and the crucial role they play in strengthening the rule of law in the country. Also, the Minister of Justice has reiterated the Government’s resolve to address impunity for international crimes and complex corruption-related offences “We are dedicated to equipping our legal professionals with the tools, knowledge and support required to provide a judicial response to international crimes and corruption-related offences aligned with international legal standards” stated the Minister. The UN Resident Coordinator reiterated the support of the UN to the ongoing transitional justice processes in the country.
Focusing on addressing impunity for gross human rights violations and serious violations committed during Liberia’s civil crises and wars, and corruption-related offences, the two-day specialized workshop was attended by 35 selected lawyers including 20 women. “We need to ensure the judicial mechanisms established to bring justice for the victims of the civil war are gender focused. This training is a great opportunity to equip us with the tools to ensure providing a gendered justice response to international crimes and corruption-related offences becomes a reality” shared a participating female lawyer.
More specifically, the workshop built participants’ capacity on key principles for promoting a victim-centered judicial response to gross violations of human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law. These included the notions of transitional justice, the normative
framework related to investigation and prosecution of complex crimes, international crimes and foundation of liability, issues related to crimes committed against children and the gender dimension in investigation and prosecution of international crimes. The various sessions were facilitated by international experts mainly from the United Nations and national legal experts offering the opportunity for Liberian lawyers to discuss further some of the issues raised during the training.
“The strong commitment expressed by the participating lawyers to the promotion of a victim-centered judicial response to gross human rights violations, and corruption-related crimes perpetrated in Liberia, demonstrates the necessity of equipping national lawyers with the skills needed to represent victims in front of the future WECC and NACC and beyond” added Mr. Mukosa.
This workshop is part of OHCHR’s ongoing support to the national transitional justice process through its project aimed at strengthening the capacity of government institutions and national stakeholders for a participatory, inclusive, and victim-centered transitional justice processes in Liberia.
END//

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Press Release

28 January 2026

UN Human Rights Office report says violations prevented in 2025 Senate and House of Representative by-elections in Nimba County

A new report issued today by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia says strategic human rights engagements led by the Government and national institutions during Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections in Nimba County contributed to peaceful elections and helped prevent human rights violations.
The Report on the human rights situation in the context of the 2025 Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections in Liberia’s Nimba County, 22 April and 12 August 2025 is based on findings and information collected during monitoring and verification activities conducted by OHCHR between March and December 2025, including on the ground in Nimba County. The report demonstrates how well-trained security forces, regular political engagements, with a focus on human rights, capacity building, and monitoring of the situation, minimized or prevented human rights violations and abuses in the two elections.
The report identifies measures taken by the Liberian authorities, including engagement with various stakeholders such as political parties and candidates, the conduct of joint civic voter education and gender awareness campaigns and the improved transparency of the processes through daily press briefings conducted in Nimba County and updates through social media platforms by the National Election Commission (NEC), and the increased deployment and patrols of unarmed police and security officers - including female officers - who had already undergone human rights and elections training organized by OHCHR in the context of the 2023 general elections. These steps contributed to peaceful by-elections in Nimba and helped to prevent a range of violations.
“The lessons learned and good practices documented in this report should inform the planning of future elections in Liberia” said Christian Mukosa, Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia.
OHCHR findings also highlight the need to ensure all human rights concerns observed are adequately addressed , including the lack of prompt investigation of reported cases of election-related violence and human rights violations, persistent use of divisive and discriminatory messages by some candidates and political leaders, cases of gender-based discrimination and violence- that may have limited women’s safe participation in public affairs- as well as inadequate access by persons with disabilities to polling stations and other election-related infrastructure and materials .
The report sets out key recommendations to the Government of Liberia to strengthen prevention of human rights violations in the context of elections and to ensure accountability for victims. It also recommends that the international community should continue to support the human rights-based approach to planning, monitoring and reporting in the context of elections in Liberia.
“OHCHR will continue engaging and supporting the Government of Liberia and relevant stakeholders including the NEC, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on capacity building, human rights monitoring, and advocacy prior to, during and after elections, in a bid to contribute to peaceful elections and minimize and prevent the occurrence of election-related violence and human rights violations in the country” said Mukosa.
LINK TO THE REPORT
End//

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Press Release

17 December 2025

National Peace Hut Election

Women Peacebuilders Elect New National Peace Hut Leadership in Transparent and Peaceful ProcessTotota, Bong County — 13 December 2025. Women members of Peace Huts from across all 15 counties gathered at the Totota Peace Hut in Bong County to elect a new National Peace Hut Leadership, marking the first leadership renewal since 2019. The election represents an important milestone in strengthening women-led peacebuilding, community mediation, and social cohesion across Liberia.The initiative was supported by the Governments of Ireland and Sweden, with technical and logistical assistance from UN Women Liberia; in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia, and Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, the election brought together Peace Hut representatives to reinforce democratic governance, accountability, and inclusive leadership within the network. The process also served as an opportunity to further popularize the newly developed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), with the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund that will guide Peace Hut operations across the country.The newly elected leaders are: Madam Velma P. Sajery (President), Madam Esther Dolo (Vice President), Madam Mamie Varjolo (Secretary), Madam Hawa Isango (Financial Secretary), and Madam Annie Y. Merchant (Chaplain).Independent observer Krubo Flomo, Social Worker at MGCSP Bong County, commended the peaceful conduct of the polls:“The Ministry’s role was not only to observe but to encourage women to see leadership as service to their communities. The election was peaceful and transparent, and when the results were announced, everyone celebrated with joy — even candidates who did not win.”D. Mulbah K’anglai, who served as Chair of the Election Commission, emphasized the commitment of Peace Hut members to credible and inclusive leadership:“I witnessed firsthand how peaceful and transparent the process was. The new leadership will move the organization forward by embracing new ideas and encouraging Peace Hut women to advance collectively.”In addition to the election, participants took part in structured orientation and capacity-building sessions focused on democratic leadership and internal governance. The induction prepared the newly elected leaders for their roles, strengthened accountability within the network, and supported smooth leadership transition and coordination at national and county levels. The sessions also helped familiarize participants with the Peace Hut Standard Operating Procedures, developed with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, which will guide Peace Hut operations nationwide.For more than a decade, Peace Huts have played a critical role in preventing and mediating community conflict, supporting survivors of violence, and advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding, local governance and political processes. Renewing leadership ensures the network remains effective, unified, and aligned with its mission of community-driven peacebuilding and women’s leadership.UN Women Liberia remains committed to supporting Peace Huts through technical, logistical, and communication assistance, and to strengthening women’s leadership and community resilience throughout Liberia.

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Press Release

20 October 2025

Onboarding Training Launched to Establish County Development Planning Units in South-eastern Counties (Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Sinoe, Maryland, and Grand Kru Counties)

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), with support from the Government of Liberia through counterpart funding to the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme (LDSP) managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) through UN Women under the project “Empowering Citizens and Communities to Foster Social Accountability and Transparency in Governance and Public Service Delivery,” launched a five-day onboarding training to establish County Development Planning Units in five south-eastern counties - Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru and Sinoe. Held in Zwedru from 20–24 October 2025, the exercise convened 70 County Development Planning Officers, along with County Officials, Heads of MACs, and facilitators from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Governance Commission, Internal Audit Agency, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). Several local technicians also participated. The event aimed to advance the implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018 under the theme “Building a New Liberia through Decentralization.”Opening the workshop, Hon. Selena Polson Mappy, Deputy Minister for Operations, MIA, called the establishment of County Development Planning Units “a landmark step toward strengthening local governance and ensuring citizens experience the real benefits of decentralization,” noting that the units will serve as the technical arm of county administrations, linking local priorities to national planning and monitoring frameworks.Hon. D. Emmanuel Wheinyue, Assistant Minister for Research and Development Planning, MIA, explained that each County Development Planning Unit will consist of five key technical roles: Development Planning Officer, Project Engineer, Data Analyst, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, and Gender and Social Inclusion Officer. He emphasized that “these units will bridge the gap between local development aspirations and the Government’s national agenda by promoting participatory and accountable planning.”The event also featured statements from the Governance Commission and the MFDP, underscoring coordination, transparency and accountability in county development planning. Mr. D. Emmanuel Williams II, Director of Public Service Investment Programs at the MFDP described County Development Agendas as “practical roadmaps that connect national policy with community-level needs,” emphasizing that the success of decentralization depends on the functionality and effectiveness of the new units.Mrs. Oretha T. Lah-Bangurah, Programme Support Officer, UN Women, expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and commended the Government of Liberia for its leadership in rolling out the LGA. “Decentralization is not only about structures or systems; it is about people,” she said. “It ensures that every voice, particularly those of women, youth and marginalized groups, is heard and reflected in development decisions that shape their lives.” She added that UN Women’s support through the PBF project aligns with its commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive governance.Delivering remarks on behalf of UNDP, Mr. Eric Boykai, Interim National Program Coordinator of the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme emphasized that County Development Planning Units are the link between national vision and county-level action and encouraged participants to use the week’s tools and templates to translate local priorities into implementable projects with clear responsibilities and timelines. He further concluded that the County Development Planning Units play a critical role in advancing local governance by formulating inclusive, evidence-based development plans aligned with national priorities. They also serve as a vital link between local and central government to ensure coordinated aid and resource alignment, while monitoring development activities to promote transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery.Across the week, facilitators from the MIA, the MFDP, the Governance Commission, the Internal Audit Agency Unit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection are guiding modules on inclusive planning methods, Public Sector Investment Programme, developing concept notes and proposal templates, programme budgeting, internal audit and compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and gender-responsive planning and budgeting, among others. Sessions combine presentations with group work and practical use of standard templates so county teams leave with draft materials they can refine and adopt through their administrations.The onboarding in Zwedru is the final step in achieving the legal requirement for all 15 counties to establish County Development Planning Units in Liberia.

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