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26 April 2024
UN deputy chief encourages RC solidarity with African youth for SDG acceleration
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24 April 2024
UN H6 Partnership Kicks off Mission to Liberia
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17 April 2024
UN Country Team holds Annual Retreat- Highlights Collective Delivery and Support to National Development Planning
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The Sustainable Development Goals 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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07 March 2024
UNFPA Donates Essential Medical Equipment to Enhance Maternal and Child Health in Liberia
The Ministry of Health received medical instruments and equipment from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support the ministry’s efforts in improving maternal and child health across the nation.Presenting the donation, Madam Bidisha Pillai, the Country Representative of UNFPA to Liberia, conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its commitment to providing quality reproductive health services and facilities to women and girls in Liberia and underscored UNFPA's dedication to reducing unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and ensuring safe delivery services.Madam Pillai highlighted the organization's (UNFPA) active involvement in capacity-building initiatives and the provision of essential medical supplies, including HIV testing kits and life-saving drugs. With an average investment of approximately 1.2 million dollars, UNFPA has significantly contributed to these efforts.The UNFPA Country Representative to Liberia emphasized the critical importance of reliable contraception supplies in facilitating access to reproductive healthcare, stressing that achieving sustainable development goals hinges on such access. She noted the significance of the ceremony coinciding with the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, which highlights access to reproductive healthcare as a fundamental human right for all women and girls.In response, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Health, spoke on behalf of the President and the Liberian people, expressing gratitude to UNFPA for their ongoing support.The Minister appreciated UNFPA's contribution in procuring and donating essential medical supplies. She emphasized that the donated supplies will be distributed across several counties, including Rivercess, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe, and Maryland.Reflecting on challenges faced in the operating theater due to inadequate lighting, shortage of beds, and unequipped intensive care unit, Dr. Kpoto emphasized the importance of the donated items in addressing such issues to help ease operations and decrease maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Liberia.She assured the UNFPA Country Representative of accountability and affirmed that the donated items would be appropriately used and placed in the designated facilities across various counties.Following the receipt and signing of the handover document by both UNFPA and the Ministry of Health, Michael Nguessan, CMS/WFP Manager, led a tour of the Central Medical Store (CMS), accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr. Kpoto, the Director of Family Health (MOH), Dr. Nowiah Gorpudolo-Dennis, and Madam Bidisha Pillai, the Country Representative of UNFPA to Liberia, and their respective teams.
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11 March 2024
Liberia celebrates International Women’s Day amid calls to invest in women and strengthen gender-responsive budgeting
A cross section of women and men in Liberia thronged the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women everywhere and to strategise on how to break down the barriers to achieving equality for all women. This year’s commemoration was held under the global theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,' and the national theme ‘Empower Her, Empower All.' The themes emphasized the need to drive financial resources, policy support, and commitments towards achieving gender equality and are aligned with the priority theme of the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), to be held in New York from 11 to 22 March 2024: ‘Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. Members of the United Nations Country team led by the Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, members of the Diplomatic Community, representatives from Government ministries, women’s organisations, civil society among others, attended the celebrations, characterized by speeches, entertainment and a market exhibition. In her welcome address, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Gbeme Horace-Kollie stressed the transformative power of investing in women, emphasizing that it not only enhances their decision-making abilities but also boosts their confidence and access to opportunities.The theme colour for the commemoration was white, symbolizing peace, unity, and reconciliation. It served as a poignant reminder of the invaluable role women play in maintaining peace within their communities and the nation at large.The keynote speaker, the First Lady of Liberia, Kartumu Yarta Boakai pledged Government support for women’s empowerment initiatives including promoting education, health and leadership roles as well as encouraging that both men and women ‘walk side by side’ for the development of the country. She urged Liberians to unite in relentless determination for sustainable development and the advancement of gender equality and women's empowerment.Ms. Umutoni delivered an International Women’s Day statement from the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres,’ stressing the importance of supporting women’s organizations, investing in programs to end violence against women, and promoting women’s inclusion and leadership in various sectors such as economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding, and climate action.Echoing the sentiments, Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, emphasized three critical areas essential for addressing poverty-related issues and advancing gender equality: gender-responsive budgeting and planning, investment in women’s rights organizations, and the importance of gender-disaggregated data collection. Honourable Moima Briggs-Mensah from the Women’s Legislative Caucus and Honourable Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, the Pro-temp of the Liberian Senate reiterated the need to have gender responsive budgets.Representatives of traditional practitioners, rural women, and youth groups emphasized the importance of equal participation, keeping girls in school, and providing empowerment opportunities, particularly for rural women. They stressed the urgent need to invest in women and strengthen gender-responsive budgeting as crucial steps towards achieving gender equality.As part of the celebrations, the Second Lady of Liberia, Stephenie Dahn Koung, honored three women in public service for their dedication and commitment to serving their communities.The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection hosted the International Women’s Day celebrations with support from the United Nations in Liberia and partners.
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15 February 2024
Significant progress in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation in Liberia
The commemoration was held at the Vezela Vocational and Heritage Centre in Lofa County, Liberia.
To mark the day, the Heritage Centre was handed over to the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia. The centre is one of four established by UN Women with funding from the Spotlight Initiative to provide dedicated learning space to teach former FGM traditional practitioners new skills to enable them to pursue alternative sources of income to replace FGM. Other heritage centres are in Grand Cape Mount, Montserrado and Nimba counties. Over 800 former traditional practitioners of FGM are benefitting from alternative economic livelihood programs such as climate smart agriculture, business, and vocational skills training.
Traditional ceremonies to enforce the ban on FGM were also conducted. Traditional practitioners from Lofa County surrendered their customary tools used in the practice of FGM to Chief Zanzan Karwor, Chairperson of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL), signalling an end to the practice of FGM in the county. A year ago, on 6 February 2023, NACCEL made a historic proclamation to ban the practice of FGM in Liberia. Since then, traditional ceremonies to effectively enforce the ban on FGM have been conducted in five out of 11 FGM practicing counties in Liberia, namely Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, Bong and Lofa counties.
The gesture was applauded by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the Embassies of Sweden and the UK, the European Union, JICA, UN Liberia, civil society organizations and local authorities from Lofa, among others who attended the commemoration. Lofa is the fifth county out of the 11 FGM practicing counties to conduct traditional ceremonies.
Antony Akumu Abogi, the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i., expressed gratitude to the European Union for their support in reducing cases of violence against women and girls in Liberia.
Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Representative for Liberia, delivered a joint statement from UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, OHCHR, and WHO, reiterating the UN's commitment to preventing and responding to harmful practices against women and girls. She noted a decline in the prevalence of FGM, highlighting progress achieved over the past three decades.
“We celebrate progress that has been achieved. The practice of FGM has been declining over the last three decades, and in the 31 countries with nationally representative prevalence data, around 1 in 3 girls aged 15 to 19 today have undergone the practice versus 1 in 2 in the 1990s,” read the statement.
In addition, Ms. Lamptey expressed hope that an FGM law will be in place soon to compliment the ban and that there will be stronger partnerships between the traditional leaders and civil society to continue the community engagement and education and will see economic empowerment for all women that have given up their tools and are ready to work to build a better Liberia.
Development partners commended Liberia's efforts in eliminating FGM and reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at ending the practice in the country.
Anders Arvidsson, EU Deputy Head of Delegation, emphasized the importance of abandoning harmful practices, stating, "When practices may be harmful to individuals, there is a need for change. Let us move towards a future where young girls are not subjected to FGM to transition into womanhood. Every woman or girl has the right to refuse harmful and potentially life-threatening practices."
Johan Romare, Head of Development Cooperation for the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia affirmed the Government of Sweden’s dedication to partnering with Liberia to promote gender equality and ensure a life of dignity for women and girls.
In addition, Kate Thomson, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of UK highlighted that the UK Government is funding a local organization, HOPE to support alternative livelihoods to former traditional practitioners of FGM and teaching them skills such as tie and dye and soap making, among others, so that they abandon the practice of FGM.
Queen Juli Endee, Chairperson of the Taskforce on Ending FGM in Liberia, emphasized that traditional leaders would continue advocating for the passage of the FGM bill into law, following the establishment of a traditional ban on the practice. “We now have a traditional ban, but we need a law from the national legislature to compliment the ban.” She reiterated that traditional practitioners will continue to uphold their culture and tradition but without FGM and supports the concept of ‘Initiation without mutilation.’
The FGM day in Liberia was characterized by vibrant traditional performances, rituals marking the end of FGM in the county, and entertainment provided by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace.
UN Women supported the Government of Liberia and NACCEL in commemorating FGM Day and conducting traditional ceremonies to enforce the ban on FGM, with funding from the Government of Sweden.
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25 January 2024
Ministry of Health, Gavi, WHO and UNICEF Announce Arrival of 112,000 Doses of Malaria Vaccine in Liberia
The Ministry of Health of Liberia, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), today announced the arrival of 112,000 doses of the RTS,S malaria vaccine- the first ever in Liberia. Studies have shown that children under five in Liberia experience high rates of malaria infection with a prevalence rate of 10%. The Malaria vaccine marks a significant milestone in the fight against malaria, a preventable mosquito-borne disease that kills a child under age 5 every minute in Africa.
"The arrival of this life-saving vaccine is a game changer in our fight against malaria," said Adolphus Clarke, Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) at the Ministry of Health of Liberia. "We are committed to ensuring that every child in Liberia has access to this vaccine and is protected from this deadly disease."
The RTS,S vaccine was piloted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi since 2019 and has been shown to be safe and effective, reducing severe malaria by 30% and malaria deaths by 13%.
"This is a historic moment in the fight against malaria," said Fatima Babiker, the Gavi Senior Country Manager for Liberia. "Gavi is proud to support the rollout of this life-saving vaccine to children in Liberia and across Africa. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that every child has the chance to grow up healthy and free from malaria."
WHO, UNICEF and Gavi are working closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders ahead of the rollout of the malaria vaccine. WHO is providing technical guidance primarily focusing on epidemiological analysis to determine priority districts for roll out of the currently available doses, integration of the vaccine in routine immunization to boost wider uptake by the target group, and vaccine administration support to the targeted counties and districts, while UNICEF is procuring and delivering the vaccine doses to the Ministry of Health.
"The arrival of the malaria vaccine in Liberia is a testament to the power of global collaboration," said Dr. Clement Peter, WHO Liberia Representative. "WHO is committed to working with our partners to ensure that this vaccine reaches all children who need it."
"This is a day of hope for thousands of children in Liberia and millions in Africa," said Amadou Cisse, UNICEF Representative ai. "UNICEF is proud to be part of this historic effort to bring the malaria vaccine to children in Liberia and across the continent. We are confident that this vaccine will save countless lives."
The arrival of the malaria vaccine in Liberia is a major step forward in the fight against this deadly disease. With continued collaboration and support, the Government of Liberia will ensure that every child has the chance to grow up healthy and free from Malaria.
The Ministry of Health of Liberia plans to start vaccination in April 2024.
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06 February 2024
UN Secretary General conveys congratulations to President Boakai
The UN Resident Coordinator a.i, Mr. Antony Akumu Abogi, led the UN Country Team to present the Letter of Congratulations from UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres to H.E Joseph Nyumah Boakai, President of Liberia.
Reiterating the SG's message, Mr. Abogi commended the President's call to unity for all Liberians. He also noted that the Secretary General conveyed trust that the President will support the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals and in achieving gender equality and youth empowerment.
For his part, President Boakai has stressed continued engagement with the UN especially in the areas of food security and agriculture. The meeting took place at the Executive Mansion on February 5th .
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26 April 2024
UN deputy chief encourages RC solidarity with African youth for SDG acceleration
Africa's youth and women were at the heart of discussions during UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed’s annual meeting with Resident Coordinators from across the continent. The central focus was on accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring Africa’s voice is clearly heard in international negotiations at the upcoming Summit of the Future.
As the youngest continent on the planet, Africa faces unique challenges that slow down progress on the SDGs and fuel disillusionment with the effectiveness of current policies and their relevance to people. Ms. Mohammed emphasized the particular urgency to restore hope for young African men and women and make sustainable development a reality for them. “This is the continent that is the furthest behind, and so we have to pull it up,” she said.“We can turn that around, and we have six years [to do so], but we have to do that with youth. We have to do that with women.”This year’s strategic dialogue took place in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, on the margins of the tenth Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development between 23 and 25 April. The Regional Director for Africa of the UN Development Coordination Office Yacoub El-Hillo moderated the session.Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed emphasized the need for the UN to pool its expertise and support for African governments. She stressed that collaborative efforts should ensure political commitments to accelerate the SDGs translate into laws, policies and programmes that make societies resilient to crisis and able to anticipate and respond to their impact on the SDGs."We have to address the development emergency with the prevention tool, the recovery tool, the root cause tool and others [to know] what needs to happen to accelerate the SDGs," she stressed.Ms. Mohammed’s call to action was echoed by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder for Policy, who stressed the imperative of amplifying African voices in global decision-making processes leading up to the Summit of the Future in September.Mr. Ryder outlined progress on the Pact for the Future, the outcome document of the Summit with five pillars: financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.“This Summit and the content of the pact matter very much to Africa.” However, Mr. Ryder warned that African narratives and priorities are insufficiently represented in the negotiating process in New York, and called for the support of the Resident Coordinators to make sure that Africa’s voice is heard.The Summit of the Future will build on last year's SDG Summit, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented world leaders with six transformative pathways. These pathways aim to tackle critical areas such as food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs, and climate change – all interconnected challenges demanding a systemic shift to achieve the SDGs.ImageCaption: Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed emphasized the need for the UN to pool its expertise and support for African governments.Photo: © UN\ Daniel GetachewRCs Charting the Course towards the Summit of the FutureResident Coordinators shared insights with Ms. Mohammed on successes and challenges in implementing SDG acceleration and discussing strategic pathways to support governments and partners.Among many different flagships shared by the RCs, the Resident Coordinator for Ethiopia Ramiz Alakbarov, provided examples of initiatives that integrate agro-food systems with climate adaptation, and support the livelihoods of women and young people in marginalized communities. The Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova noted her efforts in bringing international financial institutions and the private sector in discussions with the government on the transformative pathways and preparations for the Summit of the Future.The Resident Coordinator for Lesotho Amanda Mukwashi said the government’s national budget allocations are aligned with its political pledge with respect to digital transformation and energy access and can be used as a successful practice at the Summit of the Future.Cabo Verde has also fully aligned its national development plan with accelerating the SDGs, focusing on jobs and social protection, climate change and digital connectivity. Similarly, Ghana has designed a national dialogue with the government, civil society groups and others that will help helped integrate accountability for SDG summit commitment in proposals for the Summit of the Future.The Resident Coordinator for Botswana Zia Choudhury emphasized underrepresentation of young people in African policy conversations and the need to re-engage them as strategic partners. "What we want to do is to encourage young people to see development as a marathon, not as just a quick sprint a couple of times a year," he said. ImageCaption: Resident Coordinators shared insights with Ms. Mohammed on successes and challenges in implementing SDG accelerationPhoto: © UN\ Abel TakeleDiscussions recognized the crucial role of the Joint SDG Fund for leveraging partnerships and catalytic funding for SDGs, reforming of the SDG financial architecture remains key and in reframing the dialogue with international financial Institutions on SDG financing.The meeting was attended by a number of senior United Nations decision-makers, including Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office to the African Union Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Adviser on Africa Cristina Duarte, Special Coordinator for development in the Sahel Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination Oscar Fernandez-Taranco and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Felipe Paullier.In closing, the Deputy Secretary-General reiterated the UN development system’s determination to achieve the ambitious targets set forth in the SDGs. "We have six years left to move this agenda really fast. We don’t relax; we don’t give up," she said.
ImageCaption: Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder for Policy and Regional Director for Africa of the UN Development Coordination Office Yacoub El-Hillo are pictured with DSG MohammedPhoto: © UN\ Daniel Getachew
As the youngest continent on the planet, Africa faces unique challenges that slow down progress on the SDGs and fuel disillusionment with the effectiveness of current policies and their relevance to people. Ms. Mohammed emphasized the particular urgency to restore hope for young African men and women and make sustainable development a reality for them. “This is the continent that is the furthest behind, and so we have to pull it up,” she said.“We can turn that around, and we have six years [to do so], but we have to do that with youth. We have to do that with women.”This year’s strategic dialogue took place in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, on the margins of the tenth Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development between 23 and 25 April. The Regional Director for Africa of the UN Development Coordination Office Yacoub El-Hillo moderated the session.Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed emphasized the need for the UN to pool its expertise and support for African governments. She stressed that collaborative efforts should ensure political commitments to accelerate the SDGs translate into laws, policies and programmes that make societies resilient to crisis and able to anticipate and respond to their impact on the SDGs."We have to address the development emergency with the prevention tool, the recovery tool, the root cause tool and others [to know] what needs to happen to accelerate the SDGs," she stressed.Ms. Mohammed’s call to action was echoed by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder for Policy, who stressed the imperative of amplifying African voices in global decision-making processes leading up to the Summit of the Future in September.Mr. Ryder outlined progress on the Pact for the Future, the outcome document of the Summit with five pillars: financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.“This Summit and the content of the pact matter very much to Africa.” However, Mr. Ryder warned that African narratives and priorities are insufficiently represented in the negotiating process in New York, and called for the support of the Resident Coordinators to make sure that Africa’s voice is heard.The Summit of the Future will build on last year's SDG Summit, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented world leaders with six transformative pathways. These pathways aim to tackle critical areas such as food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs, and climate change – all interconnected challenges demanding a systemic shift to achieve the SDGs.ImageCaption: Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed emphasized the need for the UN to pool its expertise and support for African governments.Photo: © UN\ Daniel GetachewRCs Charting the Course towards the Summit of the FutureResident Coordinators shared insights with Ms. Mohammed on successes and challenges in implementing SDG acceleration and discussing strategic pathways to support governments and partners.Among many different flagships shared by the RCs, the Resident Coordinator for Ethiopia Ramiz Alakbarov, provided examples of initiatives that integrate agro-food systems with climate adaptation, and support the livelihoods of women and young people in marginalized communities. The Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova noted her efforts in bringing international financial institutions and the private sector in discussions with the government on the transformative pathways and preparations for the Summit of the Future.The Resident Coordinator for Lesotho Amanda Mukwashi said the government’s national budget allocations are aligned with its political pledge with respect to digital transformation and energy access and can be used as a successful practice at the Summit of the Future.Cabo Verde has also fully aligned its national development plan with accelerating the SDGs, focusing on jobs and social protection, climate change and digital connectivity. Similarly, Ghana has designed a national dialogue with the government, civil society groups and others that will help helped integrate accountability for SDG summit commitment in proposals for the Summit of the Future.The Resident Coordinator for Botswana Zia Choudhury emphasized underrepresentation of young people in African policy conversations and the need to re-engage them as strategic partners. "What we want to do is to encourage young people to see development as a marathon, not as just a quick sprint a couple of times a year," he said. ImageCaption: Resident Coordinators shared insights with Ms. Mohammed on successes and challenges in implementing SDG accelerationPhoto: © UN\ Abel TakeleDiscussions recognized the crucial role of the Joint SDG Fund for leveraging partnerships and catalytic funding for SDGs, reforming of the SDG financial architecture remains key and in reframing the dialogue with international financial Institutions on SDG financing.The meeting was attended by a number of senior United Nations decision-makers, including Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office to the African Union Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Adviser on Africa Cristina Duarte, Special Coordinator for development in the Sahel Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination Oscar Fernandez-Taranco and Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Felipe Paullier.In closing, the Deputy Secretary-General reiterated the UN development system’s determination to achieve the ambitious targets set forth in the SDGs. "We have six years left to move this agenda really fast. We don’t relax; we don’t give up," she said.
ImageCaption: Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder for Policy and Regional Director for Africa of the UN Development Coordination Office Yacoub El-Hillo are pictured with DSG MohammedPhoto: © UN\ Daniel Getachew
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24 April 2024
UN H6 Partnership Kicks off Mission to Liberia
The UN H6 Partnership, comprised of UNICEF World Health Organization (WHO) UNFPA UN Women UNAIDS and the World Bank supports countries in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting sexual, reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH). This partnership supported a project on strengthening #SRMNCAH services in selected health facilities and communities in six counties in Liberia between 2013 - 2018.From the lessons learnt in Liberia’s journey to building a resilience health system post-Ebola, including the initial H6 project implementation, there is a need to assess and further support the country's SRMNCAH program to build on past achievements, address the unfinished agenda, and integrate new strategies for improving health outcomes for missed populations among women and girls. An H6 scoping mission is currently happening in the country (April 22 to May 3, 2024) to develop a micro plan for SRMNCAH services.Kicking off the mission yesterday, experts from H6 Partnership Regional and Headquarters offices had inception meetings with the Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto - and the heads of UN agencies to brief them on the mission objectives and expected outcomes. Speaking during the inception meeting with the Minister of Health, the Team Lead for the Mission, Dr. Anshu Banerjee, WHO Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Ageing in Geneva, expressed gratitude for the government's acceptance to host the mission, highlighting the timeliness of the mission to inform the priorities on the national agenda (ARREST) of the new government in Liberia. Dr. Anshu emphasized that the mission will help identify key issues that can be supported through the partnership, using a whole-of-government and whole-of-society buy-in approach. Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto, welcomed the team to Liberia and expressed her anticipation to receive the findings from the scoping mission in the next couple of weeks. She committed the government's support to the mission and highlighted the importance of the communities and strengthening the referral systems, to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.This week, the mission will focus on implementing a microplanning tool in two counties Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount to identify bottlenecks in SRMNCAH services from both supply and demand angles, especially the missed populations, with focus on primary healthcare. The second week will build on the findings from the microplanning to develop an investment case for advocacy with key stakeholders in line with national policies and plans. The mission is timely, as the First Lady was recently appointed as the maternal and newborn health champion for Liberia during the last World Health Day. Concurrently during the inception meetings, other team members of the mission were engaging local stakeholders in a training of the microplanning tool, which will run for the next two days before the field visits.
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17 April 2024
UN Country Team holds Annual Retreat- Highlights Collective Delivery and Support to National Development Planning
UN Resident Coordinator, Madame Christine Umutoni, led the UN Country Team, consisting of 21 agencies, on the three-day, which was held under the theme “Working Together Towards Liberia's Transformation".Speaking on the Liberian context, Madame Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate, highlighted that peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of conditions that give dignity to all.Government, development partners, CSOs, amongst others, attended and spoke at the event also. Respective government agencies delivered their vision and perspectives during panel discussions. Development partners spoke on strengthening collaboration with the United Nations while civil society delivered a message on how partnership with the UN could be enhanced. The retreat offered a moment for the UN Country Team to reflect on strategic and transformational priorities to define a collective offer of support to the new administration especially in the context of the development and implementation of the new National Development Plan and County Development Agendas.BackgroundLiberia has a new government which is in the process of developing its National Development Plan (NDP) and County Development Agenda (CDA) which will be aligned with the Liberia Vision 2030, the SDGs, and Africa’s Agenda 2063. The current United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) was extended for one year to December 2025. The UN will then develop a new UNSDCF which will align with the new NDP and CDA. The retreat offers a good opportunity to discuss and agree on the UN strategic directions and how best to accompany the country achieve its national aspirations. The United Nations and partners remain ready to accompany the government’s national development plan and its implementation. The UN looks forward to continuing to deliver as one, leave none behind and delivering stronger at both national and subnational levels.
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04 April 2024
UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) launch Projects to support National Efforts on Peace and Development
The UN Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, has formally launched the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) projects - designed and programmed under Liberia’s Five Years (2022-2027) PBF Strategic Results Framework covering four projects. The launch occurred today, at the Kofi Annan Conference Hall, One UN House. The initial investment targets land management through conflict prevention; fostering social accountability and transparency in governance and public service and empowerment of disadvantaged youth. The formal launch will also consider PBF 2023 approved Youth Promotion Initiative (YPI) project which was attained through a global competitive call.Between 26-31 March 2023, the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) fielded a mission that engaged partners (UN agencies, donors, government, CSOs/NGOs) in Monrovia to examine implementation of existing PBF projects. These consultations informed the mission’s support through workshops to design the PBF SRF project package as well as strengthen implementation for results for ongoing projects. The partners participated and helped to direct stakeholder design in line with PBF project quality criteria. The mission also held an informal preparatory session with UN agencies and CSOs ahead of the YPI 2023 Call for proposals, which led to Liberia qualifying to receive $2 million youth project listed for the formal launch. Projects for this launch include: Enhancing peace and social cohesion through the promotion of equitable access to and use of land for rural women in conflict-prone communities and concession areas - Nov 2023 to Nov 2026 ; Enhancing Social Cohesion through Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Marginalized Youth in Liberia (At Risk Youth) Sept 2023 -Sept 2026 ; Empowering Citizens and Community to foster social accountability and transparency in governance and public service - Oct 2023- Oct 2026 and the Accelerating Digital Opportunities for Youth Civic Participation as a lever for Building and Sustaining Peace in Liberia (YPI) Jan 2024- Jan 2026. The UN Resident Coordinator, at the event, called on partners to work with synergy and joint approaches. She stated, "when we work with joint approaches, we can see maximum impact for our beneficiaries".
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03 April 2024
UN Liberia supports Multi-disciplinary Approach for Sustainable Development in Liberia
Hon. Tanneh G. Brunson, Liberia Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning joined the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Madam Christine N. Umutoni, to launch a robust multi-disciplinary technical support to the National Development Plan called the ARREST agenda.The Deputy Minister expressed appreciation to the UN for interest in supporting the national development planning and noted that the UN has always been a steadfast partner in the development planning of the country. “At today’s meeting, we will work on identifying and agreeing on areas of support, ", she stated. She noted that the meeting was a culmination of several previous engagements held with the UN family, where the UN had reconfirmed commitment to support the national planning process. She noted,” I am happy to concretize these efforts.”For her part, The UN Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, noted that the meeting was an important step in highlighting the UN’s commitment to the national development planning process. She stated, “we listened to the government- your asks – including for the tourism sector and sub- national development planning. The UN is exploring – and with great promise the support and experts from successful countries to come and support the sector dialogue and prioritization. Support towards national development planning in Liberia will include technical expertise including avenues for unlocking resources for realization of the public investment plans. “She particularly noted the sub-national planning and how it fits into the six pathways of transition of the SDGs and Leave No One Behind.The Resident Coordinator noted her appreciation that the process is government-led and emphasized that the UN is here to accompany the process.
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Press Release
22 March 2024
High Level Delegation of South Sudanese Women Leaders and Electoral Stakeholders Visit Liberia for Learning and Experience Sharing Mission Ahead of their First General Elections since Independence
A delegation from the Republic of South Sudan supported by UN Women will embark on a south - south learning and experience sharing mission to Liberia from 23 to 31 March 2024. The mission will seek to engage and learn from Liberia’s conduct of peaceful elections, including support to women political participation and women’s movement building. The visit is intended to draw insights that will positively inform preparations by women in South Sudan towards their upcoming first General elections in December 2024. The visiting delegation will comprise officials from institutions including; Political Parties Council, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, the Judicial Reform Commission, National Transformational Leadership Institute (University of Juba), South Sudan Women’s Coalition, the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice, National Press Club of South Sudan and the UN Women South Sudan Office. The opportunity for experience-sharing by government, civil society and electoral stakeholders from South Sudan and their Liberia counterparts will spotlight amongst others, strategies employed to address barriers to women’s participation in public life and to prevent violence against women in elections in the recently concluded Liberia elections. The delegation is expected to meet with Government officials including Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the National Elections Commission, the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia, the Justice Sector, the United Nations Country Team in Liberia and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It is expected that the mission will lay important foundations for closer cooperation and working relations between women in South Sudan and Liberia. UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, champions global efforts to accelerate progress towards meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide. By positioning gender equality as fundamental to the sustainable Development Goals, UN Women works towards creating a more inclusive world for all. For More information please contact: -Gloriah GanyaniUN Women Liberia Communications SpecialistE-mail: gloria.ganyani@unwomen.orgTel: 0776866201 #ENDS#
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Press Release
02 February 2024
Liberia joins global community to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
On 06 February 2024, Liberia will join the global community to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), under the theme: ‘Her voice. Her future. Investing in Survivor-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation.’ The theme calls for increasing survivors’ space for voicing out against the practice to protect girls at risk of being subjected to FGM.
Globally, more than 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM, a practice that involves the removal or injury of external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a violation of human rights, causing irreversible physical and psychological harm to millions of girls and women across various communities.
Important progress has been made in eliminating FGM globally and in Liberia. Exactly, a year ago, on 6 February 2023, the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL), made a historic proclamation to ban the practice of FGM in Liberia. Since then, traditional ceremonies to effectively enforce the ban on FGM have been conducted in four out of 11 FGM practicing counties in Liberia, namely Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Nimba and Bong counties.
Liberia also signalled its commitment to ending FGM during the global convening of world leaders and women’s rights activists at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris in 2021, where Liberia pledged to pursue efforts to end Gender Based Violence and became a signatory to the collective commitment on eradicating harmful practices, including FGM.
This year’s commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM will be held at the Vezela Vocational and Heritage Centre in Lofa County. Several activities are lined up to mark the anti-FGM Day including, traditional ceremonies to close bush schools and enforce the ban on FGM by NACCEL with technical support from the Liberia Crusaders For Peace and the official handover of the Vezela Heritage Centre to the Government of Liberia. Lofa is set to be the fifth county to conduct traditional ceremonies to ban FGM and close bush schools in the country.
The Vezela centre is one of the four vocational and heritage centres established by UN Women with funding from the European Union and the United Nations through the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women, harmful practices and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. Vocational and heritage centers provide dedicated learning space to teach former FGM traditional practitioners new skills to enable them to pursue alternative sources of income to replace FGM. Other heritage centres are located in Grand Cape Mount, Montserrado and Nimba counties.
To date, over 800 former traditional practitioners of FGM are benefitting from alternative economic livelihood programs such as climate smart agriculture, business and vocational skills training with support from the European Union, United Nations and Government of Liberia Spotlight Initiative. As we observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, UN Women commends the traditional leaders and communities for their unwavering commitment to ending FGM in Liberia and embracing the concept of ‘initiation without mutilation’ which upholds positive cultural practices as part of the rites of passage of young girls, whilst eliminating FGM. “Although progress has been made in eliminating FGM, Liberia is one of only three counties in the region yet to outlaw FGM,” says Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative. “We call on all stakeholders to continue ensuring collective commitment to ending this harmful practice and ensuring the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls are realised. We call on lawmakers to ensure that the FGM Bill that is currently before the legislature is passed into law.” UN Women is supporting the Government of Liberia and NACCEL to commemorate FGM Day and to conduct bush school closure events with funding from the Government of Sweden. For more information please contact: Gloriah Ganyani UN Women Communication Specialist E-mail - gloria.ganyani@unwomen.org Tel: +231 776866201 Or John Monibah UN Women Communications Officer E-mail – john.monibah@unwomen.org Tel : +231 776737521 #ENDS#
To date, over 800 former traditional practitioners of FGM are benefitting from alternative economic livelihood programs such as climate smart agriculture, business and vocational skills training with support from the European Union, United Nations and Government of Liberia Spotlight Initiative. As we observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, UN Women commends the traditional leaders and communities for their unwavering commitment to ending FGM in Liberia and embracing the concept of ‘initiation without mutilation’ which upholds positive cultural practices as part of the rites of passage of young girls, whilst eliminating FGM. “Although progress has been made in eliminating FGM, Liberia is one of only three counties in the region yet to outlaw FGM,” says Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative. “We call on all stakeholders to continue ensuring collective commitment to ending this harmful practice and ensuring the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls are realised. We call on lawmakers to ensure that the FGM Bill that is currently before the legislature is passed into law.” UN Women is supporting the Government of Liberia and NACCEL to commemorate FGM Day and to conduct bush school closure events with funding from the Government of Sweden. For more information please contact: Gloriah Ganyani UN Women Communication Specialist E-mail - gloria.ganyani@unwomen.org Tel: +231 776866201 Or John Monibah UN Women Communications Officer E-mail – john.monibah@unwomen.org Tel : +231 776737521 #ENDS#
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Press Release
18 November 2023
Congratulatory Message from the International Community in Liberia on Peaceful Elections
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Press Release
16 November 2023
SRSG Simão Welcomes the Conclusion Of The Peaceful Run-Off Presidential Election, Calls On Liberians To Follow Existing Legal Channels to Resolve Any Electoral Disputes That May Arise
Dakar, 15 November 2023 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded today a three-day visit to Liberia to support peaceful second round voting.
The Special Representative welcomes the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of yesterday’s run-off presidential election. Once again, Liberians have demonstrated their commitment to peace and democracy by turning out to peacefully cast their ballots.
The Special Representative commends the candidates for guiding their supporters to peaceful and inclusive elections in the spirit of and continued adherance to the Farmington River Declaration. He further congratulates the National Election Commission (NEC) on the conduct of this historic Presidential runoff of 14 November.
The Special Representative reiterates his call to the candidates and their supporters to respect the official results once announced by the National Election Commission (NEC) and to follow existing legal channels to resolve any electoral disputes that may arise.
Peace and stability are an asset Liberia held on to for 20 years and the peaceful conclusion of the elections will consolidate these gains. The Special Representative calls on all Liberians, their leaders, and institutions to seize this opportunity to strengthen development, and democracy.
UNOWAS, in coordination with its regional and international partners, remains committed to supporting Liberia on its path to a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.
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COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE
Le Représentant Spécial Simão Salue La Conclusion Pacifique Du Second Tour De L'élection Présidentielle Et Appelle Les Libériens A Suivre Les Voies Légales Existantes Pour Résoudre Les Différends Electoraux Qui Pourraient Survenir Dakar, 15 novembre 2023 - Le Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général et Chef du Bureau des Nations Unies pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et le Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, a conclu aujourd'hui une visite de trois jours au Libéria pour soutenir le déroulement pacifique du second tour de l'élection présidentielle. Le Représentant spécial salue le déroulement pacifique et ordonné du second tour de l'élection présidentielle d'hier. Une fois de plus, les Libériens ont démontré leur attachement à la paix et à la démocratie en se rendant aux urnes dans le calme. Le représentant spécial félicite les candidats d'avoir sensibilisé leurs partisans pour des élections pacifiques et inclusives, dans l'esprit de la déclaration de Farmington River, à laquelle ils continuent d'adhérer. Il félicite également la Commission Électorale Nationale (NEC) pour la conduite historique de ce second tour de l'élection présidentielle du 14 novembre. Le Représentant spécial réitère son appel aux candidats et à leurs partisans pour qu'ils respectent les résultats officiels quand ils seront annoncés par la Commission électorale nationale (NEC) et qu'ils suivent les voies légales existantes pour résoudre tout litige électoral qui pourrait survenir. La paix et la stabilité sont des atouts que le Liberia a conservés pendant 20 ans et la conclusion pacifique de ces élections consolidera ces acquis. Le Représentant spécial appelle tous les Libériens, leurs dirigeants et les institutions à saisir cette occasion pour renforcer davantage le développement et la démocratie. UNOWAS, en coordination avec ses partenaires régionaux et internationaux, reste déterminé à soutenir le Libéria sur la voie d'un avenir pacifique, prospère et démocratique. ### Bureau de la Communication Stratégique et de l’Information Publique / Strategic Communications and Public Information Office Kouider Zerrouk, Chef de bureau / SCPIO Chief – (+221) 33 869 85 60 / 77 332 49 28 – zerrouk@un.org Angelita Mendy Diop, Chargée de communication / Public Information Officer– (+221) 33 869 85 47 / 76 721 78 92 – mendya@un.org Alpha Ciré Kane, Public Information Assistant / Webmaster – (+221) 869 8585 / 77 528 0985 – alpha.kane@un.org ● www.unowas.unmissions.org ● Facebook.com/UNOWAS ● Twitter.com/UN_UNOWAS Ngor, route de la plage – PO Box 23 851, Dakar Ponty (Sénégal)
Le Représentant Spécial Simão Salue La Conclusion Pacifique Du Second Tour De L'élection Présidentielle Et Appelle Les Libériens A Suivre Les Voies Légales Existantes Pour Résoudre Les Différends Electoraux Qui Pourraient Survenir Dakar, 15 novembre 2023 - Le Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général et Chef du Bureau des Nations Unies pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et le Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, a conclu aujourd'hui une visite de trois jours au Libéria pour soutenir le déroulement pacifique du second tour de l'élection présidentielle. Le Représentant spécial salue le déroulement pacifique et ordonné du second tour de l'élection présidentielle d'hier. Une fois de plus, les Libériens ont démontré leur attachement à la paix et à la démocratie en se rendant aux urnes dans le calme. Le représentant spécial félicite les candidats d'avoir sensibilisé leurs partisans pour des élections pacifiques et inclusives, dans l'esprit de la déclaration de Farmington River, à laquelle ils continuent d'adhérer. Il félicite également la Commission Électorale Nationale (NEC) pour la conduite historique de ce second tour de l'élection présidentielle du 14 novembre. Le Représentant spécial réitère son appel aux candidats et à leurs partisans pour qu'ils respectent les résultats officiels quand ils seront annoncés par la Commission électorale nationale (NEC) et qu'ils suivent les voies légales existantes pour résoudre tout litige électoral qui pourrait survenir. La paix et la stabilité sont des atouts que le Liberia a conservés pendant 20 ans et la conclusion pacifique de ces élections consolidera ces acquis. Le Représentant spécial appelle tous les Libériens, leurs dirigeants et les institutions à saisir cette occasion pour renforcer davantage le développement et la démocratie. UNOWAS, en coordination avec ses partenaires régionaux et internationaux, reste déterminé à soutenir le Libéria sur la voie d'un avenir pacifique, prospère et démocratique. ### Bureau de la Communication Stratégique et de l’Information Publique / Strategic Communications and Public Information Office Kouider Zerrouk, Chef de bureau / SCPIO Chief – (+221) 33 869 85 60 / 77 332 49 28 – zerrouk@un.org Angelita Mendy Diop, Chargée de communication / Public Information Officer– (+221) 33 869 85 47 / 76 721 78 92 – mendya@un.org Alpha Ciré Kane, Public Information Assistant / Webmaster – (+221) 869 8585 / 77 528 0985 – alpha.kane@un.org ● www.unowas.unmissions.org ● Facebook.com/UNOWAS ● Twitter.com/UN_UNOWAS Ngor, route de la plage – PO Box 23 851, Dakar Ponty (Sénégal)
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Press Release
14 October 2023
Joint Statement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations (UN) on the post-electoral phase in Liberia
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations (UN) in Liberia welcome the gradual announcement of polling results from the National Elections Commission (NEC) and largely positive preliminary reports from observers on the conduct of the elections.
ECOWAS and the UN note with grave concern the heightened tensions following a largely peaceful voting process. The dissemination of misinformation and dis-information, allegations and counter allegations, including actions that, if not contained, could undermine the integrity of the electoral process, have largely contributed to this tension.
The consolidation of Liberia’s peace is a collective responsibility of Liberians at home and abroad and, ECOWAS and the UN, therefore, call on all Liberians to desist from acts that threaten Liberia’s peace. In this regard, we urge Liberians to take a firm stand against violence and refrain from spreading unfounded information that may incite violence.
ECOWAS and the UN call especially on the leaders of political parties to demonstrate, in word and deed, their commitment to peace and the revised Farmington River Declaration. We remind all parties that the joint security is the only lawfully mandated security force to provide security to national installations including the tally centres across the country. Therefore, political parties are urged to desist from assuming the roles of security or law enforcement agencies.
ECOWAS and the UN urge all political parties to exercise calm and restraint as the tallying of votes by the NEC progresses and is concluded.
We underscore the importance of NEC and the security agencies to professionally discharge their duties with utmost respect for the rule of law.
ECOWAS and the UN urge all parties to resolve any grievances peacefully through the appropriate legal means in accordance with national laws.
Finally, ECOWAS and the UN remind all political leaders of their responsibility to safeguard Liberia’s hard-won peace which is vital for the country’s stability and democratic consolidation.
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