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29 September 2023
Cultivating Change for Women's Livelihoods and Agricultural Production in Liberia
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Story
26 September 2023
Community-based Facilitators and Chairs of Women's Peace Huts in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties Benefit from Capacity Strengthening Initiative
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Speech
26 September 2023
High-Level National Conference on Electoral Integrity United for Credible and Peaceful Elections and Prosperous Liberia 2023 Legislative and Presidential Elections
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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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24 July 2023
Liberian Farmers Receive Farming Equipment through the Accelerated Community Development Programme
UNDP, with support from the Liberian government, has donated equipment, basic farming tools and post-harvest processing machines to farmers in three of the 15 counties. The equipment aims to help enhance their labor capacity in making use of large-scale and a more mechanized approach to farming as compared to subsistence farming, which is more labor-intensive and time-consuming. The beneficiary counties include Bong, Rivercess, and Gbarpolu.
The equipment included14 tractors and trailer, over 18,000 pieces of assorted basic farming tools, including rice, cassava, sugar cane milling machines, thirty-four sets of post-harvest processing machines, and a rice thresher were also turned over to the beneficiary communities at a ceremony on Thursday, July 21.
“The tools and equipment, valued at over US$600,000, will add value and help expand the agricultural base of each of the communities, thereby addressing the ultimate challenge of food insecurity,” UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Louis Kuukpen said at the event. “They will be distributed to identified cooperatives and individual farmers in beneficiary communities in the targeted counties.”
The Liberian agricultural sector, like many other African countries, is still faced with huge challenges, key among these being low productivity due to lack of innovation. Many African farmers are still engaged in subsistence farming due to lack of access to modern farming equipment — a situation that is contributing to the acute food insecurity on the continent.
The farming equipment and tools are donated under the auspices of Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP) — an ambitious five-year initiative launched by President George Weah in November 2022 with a commitment of 100 million United States Dollars for the first three years, 2022-2025.
President Weah, who launched the programme last year at the UN Day celebrations, noted that the ACDP will have an immediate impact on reducing poverty while accelerating socio-economic development in rural communities.
The ACDP is also expected to accelerate the repair of 39 handpumps and construction of 14 new handpumps and additional 5 solar powered multipurpose boreholes in new communities.
The programme will also construct storage and processing facilities fully equipped with offices for agricultural cooperatives; construct 10 decent gender sensitive toilets, and procure additional basic farming tools.
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24 July 2023
Farmington Declaration- Independent Candidates Sign Agreement
Independent Aspirants for the 10 October 2023 General Elections Friday, July 21st 2023 signed the historic Farmington River Declaration committing themselves to ensure that the election is conducted free of violence. Political Parties have also signed the Farmington River Declaration.
The colorful program held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town was under the direct auspices of the National Elections Commission (NEC), in collaboration with the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah spoke about the need for all aspirants to respect the Commission and all of its Regulations and Guidelines as provided for under the law.
UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni, speaking at the occasion, called on Liberians to ensue elections are peaceful. She reminded Liberians of the past election cycles that were held under a peaceful atmosphere which got international acclaim and was used as examples for other countries to emulate.
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17 August 2023
THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECREATRY GENERAL FOR UNOWAS, MR LEONARDO SIMÃO CONCLUDES A THREE-DAY VISIT TO LIBERIA, CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE, PEACEFUL AND DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS
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. This visit was part of his regional familiarization tour, following his appointment as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.
The Special Representative was received in audience by H.E. Georges Weah, President of Liberia, and had meetings with Mr. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Frank Musah Dean, Minister of Justice, and members of the National Elections Commission. He also held discussions with Youth and Women organizations, members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the diplomatic corps, and the United Nations country team.
To all his interlocuters, Mr. Simão reiterated the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations Country team to strengthen their partnership with Liberia, and to continue working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other members of the international community, to support Liberia’s path towards lasting democracy, peace, and prosperity.
During his visit, the Special Representative also participated in the stakeholder forum that took place on 15 August in preparation of the upcoming presidential elections to be held in October 2023. He commended all stakeholders, and called on the presidential candidates to uphold their commitment for the implementation of the Farmington River Declaration which paves the way for an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic process. He stressed the responsibility of all stakeholders to educate their supporters to the rules of good conduct demonstrating their responsible leadership. The Special Representative encouraged all actors to harness the positive force of Liberian women and called on Liberian youth to continue playing a positive role as agents of peace.
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05 July 2023
UN in Liberia host beneficiaries of Jewel Starfish Foundation
Led by Christine Umutoni, UN Liberia Resident Coordinator, this was an extraordinary meeting of empowerment, resilience, determination and a shared vision of hope.
Formerly from West Point, a disadvantaged area in Monrovia, the youth were formerly considered at risk youth. Now they are shining students ready to forge a better life and be an example to others. Beneficiaries gave moving stories of inspiration and were urged to continue their strive for a better future.
The Resident Coordinator and UNCT urged the young women to consider themselves as victors and not victims in society. Stating that the" sky is no longer the limit", Ms Umutoni encouraged them to "go forth and shine the light for others".
RC Umutoni noted that, "it was a great pleasure to welcome young girls from the Foundation to the One UN House and presided to give them a tour of the agencies along with the UNCT.
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12 July 2023
UN Human Security Trust Fund Project impacts communities in North Central Liberia
The United Nations in Liberia is jointly implementing the United Nations Human Security Trust Fund Project “Building Resilience of Youth, Women and Vulnerable Groups using Social Protection Floor with ITC”. The project is being implemented by FAO, ILO, UNDP, UN Women and WFP, with support from the International Telecommunications Union(ITU), in three counties in Liberia-Bong, Lofa and Nimba.
In this light, a three-day Human Security Workshop on Digital technology with emphasis on establishment of Smart Villages, kicked off yesterday in Gbarnga, Bong County with participants in high spirit.
The workshop, which takes place from July 11-July 13, is expected to bring together 40 participants from local authorities, facilitators and beneficiaries from the communities. The workshop hopes to deepen the understanding of Smart Villages and digital technology and explore its role in the broader development context, particularly in agriculture, health, finance and market.
“At the beginning of this project, we did not even know what the SDGs were but thanks to this project, we now know about the 17 sustainable development goals and how they impact our lives.”, Ms Quinisier, Commissioner of Forquelleh, Bong County.
Another beneficiary expressed her appreciation for the impact of the project, “Thanks for giving our people the chance and means to cross the bridge of poverty and into prosperity”. She noted that in her community, forty-two women, youth and persons with disabilities, can now manage financially because of the support through training and start-up capital provided by the initiative through the Start and improve your Business (SIYB) initiative.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, in her remarks during interaction with beneficiaries, encouraged them to strive for entrepreneurship. She noted that “no one can make Liberia better, besides Liberians themselves”. She noted that entrepreneurial capacity of 264 vulnerable young women and men on how to start and improve their business have been built using the SIYB tools, 264 medium-size businesses have been established for inclusive economic and human development in six of the nine selected project communities and an awareness sessions conducted on the concept and importance of human security and how to mainstream the concept in county and national development agenda.
She also acknowledged the efforts of the government of Liberia and the UN agencies for the progress of the project that covered the wider consultations with national and international stakeholders (Government, Private Sector, CSOs and ITU) on the SMART Village Concept, the conduct of a digital assessment in all three project communities with the objective of identify digital gaps and the infrastructure requirements for the implementation of the Smart Village Initiative, field assessment at the district and community level to identify and assess the existing conditions of beneficiaries and community engagement workshop on SDGs-related issues and how to digitally address them for inclusivity has been conducted.
She also stated “the SMART Village concept is where the digital technology will be used to promote community-driven e-agriculture (particularly weather and extension services) including food system planning, implementation, and management - education and skills development, livelihood strategies such as income generation, cooperative administration, and health service including health insurance for women, youths, and the vulnerable population. Given the importance of access to markets and finance services in rural communities, these will be given priority in the digital endeavor to be co-created by you all working with private and public sector digital technology actors. “
The project will complement UNWOMEN Digital Platform – “Buy from Women” that connects smallholder farmers to information, finance, and markets – that is currently being developed.
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29 September 2023
Cultivating Change for Women's Livelihoods and Agricultural Production in Liberia
Comprising 52 dedicated members (out of which 86% are women) hailing from diverse surrounding communities, the cooperative was founded in 2005 and registered as a corporate entity, being incorporated under the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) in Liberia. It manages a sprawling 65-hectare farmland, nurturing the growth of rice, cassava, and a multitude of other crops.
Under the project “Linking Extension and Research to Farmers for Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition,” funded by the European Union (EU), FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) supported the cooperative to embark on a transformative mission to rice farming practices in the community and in the country, making them more sustainable and productive.
The cooperative also set up business service center and established a rice demonstration plot. There, they tested rice seeds and experimented with sustainable planting and harvesting techniques tailored to the characteristics of the rice variety with full support of CARI. side FAO's team of experts also provided hands-on technical training on sustainable crop production practices, post-harvest management, processing and marketing to member farmers.
In addition, leadership skills training on business management was designed to empower the farmers with skills directly applicable to manage their farming system as a business activity. The agriculture innovations up-scaling contextually relevant technologies will improve the production of the surrounding communities.
Cooperative members are transplanting. ©FAO
Seedlings for transplanting. ©FAO
Adoption of improved farming methods and practices
"We learned from the training how to enhance our farming methods, so we use those methods,” said James P. Yarkpawoo, a production manager WAWMC, who is a graduate from Cuttington University in Liberia with a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science.
He was moved to join the team in 2021 by the cooperative’s strong focus and commitment to succeed. Within the team, he provides technical backstopping, which was lacking in the cooperative, to advance rice production in order to ensure people in the community and the country are adequately fed.
James enthusiastically voiced his excitement about the advancements in their farming methods. He explained that they used to overcrowd rice on the nurseries which led to undernourished seedlings and randomly transplanted in rice field. Now, they have optimized it to 20 by 20, 25 by 25, and 30 by 30 centimeters, aligning with the specific requirements of their chosen rice variety.
It was on a rainy afternoon, 10 August 2023, that the members of the community were at work on the rice fields. It was an important day for rice transplanting that could not be missed.
“Today marks the prime time for transplanting,” James continued. "We've learned that it should be done just after 14-15 days from nursery planting. Previously, we used to transplant after 21 days, but we changed our approach to ensure better yields."
“The technical training taught us how to select suitable plots, determine optimal transplanting timing, and more for sustainable agricultural practices. Previously when our rice plants faced overcrowding, we used excessive fertilizers. Now, we've adopted the right spacing for the specific rice variety."
James P. Yarkpawoo (right), Ma Musu Barto, (center), and Varbah Miabah, WAWMC co-chair (left). ©FAO
Empowerment of Women through enhanced access to productive resources
“Before, women were denied in education,” says Musu Barto, the chairperson of the War Affected Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative, “that is why we started the cooperative to pull women together, to share ideas, for instance on how to take care of our children, how to advocate for rights to own properties.”
She is proud of the community and strength that women have gained through the years of hardworking, sharing and collective efforts.
“Now, women have access to production resources, and knowledge. We can save money and can send our children to school.”
FAO’s technical support to organize and manage Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA) for women and set up a warehouse to manage the resources and harvests under previous projects was what they continue to sustain and grow.
“Today, we are doing agriculture not only for consuming, but for business. We are supplying to school feeding program, and this has improved our income levels and livelihoods too.”
Through the partnership, capacity development programs, and continuous learning on the demonstration ground, they have not only cultivated fields but also sown the seeds of empowerment, and hope in their locality and could inspire change in other places across Liberia.
About the project
Project “Linking Extension and Research to Farmers for Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition,” funded by European Union (EU), implemented in 2019-2023. The project aimed at strengthening the linkages between research and extension service providers, higher level education institutions, farmers, and other value chain actors in the country to enhance effective and sustainable agriculture production and promoting food security.
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26 September 2023
Community-based Facilitators and Chairs of Women's Peace Huts in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties Benefit from Capacity Strengthening Initiative
The Orange Digital Center (ODC) in Monrovia, UN Women Liberia, and Orange Foundation, in partnership with National Peace Hut Women of Liberia (NaPHWoL), recently conducted a Training of Trainers for five peace huts community-based facilitators and two days of capacity building for three Chairs from the NaPHWoL in digital and financial literacy, digitized Savings and Loan Association (SLA) model/methodology and Orange Mobile Money. The objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of the Facilitators by providing knowledge and skills to support the implementation of digital literacy classes for rural women in the two Women Ditial Centers (WDCs) in Bong and Nimba Counties.
According to the Women's Economic Empowerment Program Manager, Ramon G. Garway, upon completion of the training, the Facilitators are expected to commence the Cycle Three digital literacy classes for 100 (50 per county) new peace hut women and young girls in Totota, Bong, and Tarr Town, Grand Bassa Counties. He mentioned that over the past two years, UN Women Liberia and Orange Foundation have been working to ensure that the two existing WDCs in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties continue to provide peace hut women with access to digital literacy classes and tools. The intervention will address the gender digital divide and promote digital literacy among peace hut women, which is crucial to ensuring equal participation, empowerment, and access to opportunities in the increasingly digital world.
During the training, Aisha Kamara Kolubah, National Project Officer at UN Women, did a presentation on the Buy from Women (BfW) Platform. According to Ms. Kolubah, the BfW Platform is a cloud-based enterprise and e-commerce platform that links women farmers and entrepreneurs to market, information, and finance. It addresses the structural barriers faced by women smallholder farmers, equipped entrepreneurs, and small business owners.
Lischen Dwuye Kamara, Orange Money Distribution Manager, led the presentation on a step-by-step guide on the operation of Orange Money. These sessions provided knowledge for the Facilitators who will serve as Orange Money Agents to provide extension and advisory on services for BfW and Orange Money activities in the targeted communities.
Also, at the training, Zaza Mulba, the Executive Director of the Orange Digital Center, provided detailed information on the available services at the ODC. The Center provides access to digital technology for young people with or without qualifications. It gives them access to the latest technological skills to strengthen their employability and prepare them for jobs. All of the programs are provided free of charge and open to everyone. They ranged from digital trainings for young people, 90% of which are practical guidance for project bearers, and start-up acceleration.
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22 September 2023
United Nations Communication Group supports media to amplify SDGs engagement in Liberia
The training which happened on September 20th and 21st, focused on how journalists can act to rescue the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in Liberia.
Speaking at the training the Chair of the UNCG Mr. Amadou Alassane Cisse cautioned the journalists to maintain their independence and be a more reliable Voice while disseminating information to the public on the SDGs, thereby 'Leaving No One Behind".
According to the Chair of the UN Communication Group, the partnership with the media is a result of trust and commitment to what they do.
He also stressed the need for journalists to be more balanced in their reportorial duties.
"Keep your voice, keep your commitment, and realize we are not trying to have UN journalists, we are not also asking you to be the United Nations voice but continued to support the efforts to leave no one behind", Mr. Cisse added.
The UNCG also stressed the need for journalists in Liberia to get involved in reporting and engaging the public and decision makers on the 17 Goals.
They highlighted the importance of informing all Liberians about the linkages between the Sustainable Development Goals and national development. The UNCG journalists are crucial in that they have direct engagement and interaction with the larger society.
Reporter Carson Mehn, one of the beneficiaries, applauded the United Nations Communication Group for the training describing it as " very impactful".
"The training reminded us of our ethics as journalists and broadened our understanding of the SDGs, Elections Reporting, Principles of Reporting on Children's Rights, Managing Social Media During Elections, among others" " he noted.
The training brought together journalists between the ages of 18 to 35 from various media entities across Montserrado County.
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11 September 2023
How the UN in Liberia is working with Government and Communities to address Food Insecurity
This has affected a staggering number of citizens with approximately 21,500 people projected during the June to August 2023 in emergency food insecurity levels — and over 531,000 people facing acute food insecurity, associated with high food prices due to high international commodity prices and elevated transport costs. According to Liberia’s Rapid Food Security, Livelihoods, Nutrition and Markets Assessment August 2022,( WFP) Liberia faces significant food insecurity, with more than two million people living below the poverty line, accounting for around 47% of the total population of Liberia and a substantial proportion of the population (about 424,000 people) experiencing severe food gaps or insecurity.
Over the last six months, FAO trained a total of 2,687 smallholder farmers and rural individuals in sustainable agricultural practices. Among them, 1,966 smallholders received support for the income-generation activities and benefited from agricultural inputs and equipment (including fingerings, improved rice and vegetable seeds, power tillers, and water pumps). The focus was on empowering women, youth and vulnerable rural populations, with women accounting for 71% of the beneficiaries.
The Home-Grown School Feeding programme, implemented by the World Food Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, addresses food security and education needs, providing a holistic approach to alleviating poverty and hunger. Over the past 6 months, WFP reached over 42,000 schoolchildren across 180 schools with onsite meals from locally produced food commodities such as rice, palm oil, garri, and cow peas. In addition, 3000 vulnerable families of school children also receive monthly cash assistance through a take-home ration. Additionally, under the WFP resilience programme, about 4000 vulnerable smallholder farmers have received cash assistance with a transfer value of $45 to support them in improving their food and nutritious status. These smallholder farmers are engaged in asset-creation activities such as the development/rehabilitation of low land for rice and vegetable production. They also receive marketable skill training to diversify their livelihood.
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11 September 2023
National SDG Consultative workshop: UN Recommits to Supporting Liberia’s Journey towards Sustainable Development
This event, a two-day national consultation and validation process, focused on accelerating and transforming the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in preparation for the upcoming global SDGs Summit. The government of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations in Liberia, spearheaded this consultation and validation exercise, which took place at the Monrovia City-Hall from September 6 & 8.
The primary objective of this workshop was to assess Liberia's progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the SDGs, particularly focusing on poverty reduction, equality enhancement, strengthening institutions, and mechanisms for implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the SDGs. The event was held under the theme "Amplifying the Voices and Actions for SDGs and Committing to Inclusive and Sustainable Transformation for Shared Prosperity."
During the first day of the consultation on September 6, 2023, government officials, civil society organizations, and experts from various sectors including the United Nations, collaborated to develop an SDGs Acceleration Roadmap. This roadmap outlines a series of commitments aimed at achieving specific goals over the next seven years, to be presented at the SDGs Summit.
During the opening ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Umutoni expressed her delight in the progress Liberia has made on the SDGs but more needs to be done.
“I am happy to note that Liberia has already conducted discussions at different levels and assessed the country’s status regarding progress on SDGs. The country has presented two Voluntary National Reviews, outlining its current progress and challenges in the achievement of the national SDGs, as part of accountability measures to assess progress made in implementing the SDGs. Liberia has made modest progress, which has improved its position in the global 2023 SDG Index. However, there is Liberia like many countries has a lot to do, it ranks 157 out of 166 on the percentage of SDGs achieved”, she said.
She also implored on government and partners to ensure inclusive development and leave no one behind, focusing on the youth, ensuring gender equality and women empowerment, adolescent well-being, and inclusion of with disabilities and special needs.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Mr. Augustus J. Flomo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, at the Ministry of Finance, (MFDP), admitted that indeed the government is facing challenges in implementing the SDGs but it remains committed to accelerate towards their attainment.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure we attain the Sustainable Development Goals, as a country we need to work towards the acceleration of the SDGs- it is important for the growth and development of our country. We have a responsibility to uphold this commitment and begin to work towards achievement of our objectives. This forum provides a consultative forum for consultation so that we get back on track as we prepare for the SDG summit”, said Honorable Flomo.
Discussions during the consultation, facilitated by technical experts from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and supported by the United Nations in Liberia, focused on key areas such as planning, data collection, resource mobilization, peace and development, investments, food security, institutional strengthening, and finances.
On the final day of the symposium on September 8, 2023, participants were divided into groups. One session revolved around providing feedback on the draft roadmap document, where participants discussed crucial interventions and requirements. The second session focused recommendations for key focus areas of the SDGs Acceleration and Transformation plan.
Emphasis was made on the need to ensure effective, accountable, and transparent institutions, as well as scaling up efforts to accelerate SDGs progress, including financial mobilization and partnerships. Meanwhile, group two centered its discussion on accelerating social protection systems, financial frameworks, and strategic partnerships to achieve the SDGs in Liberia.
In conclusion, it was recommended that Liberia should prioritize digital transformation, invest in lifelong learning for essential services, and promote peace. Additionally, consideration should be made on accelerating access to energy for all, transitioning to renewable energy sources, ensuring food security, enhancing water and sanitation systems, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating vulnerabilities.
During the closure, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, commended Liberia for the intensive two-day validation process, expressing optimism that Liberia would present a compelling case during the UN summit in New York, attracting development opportunities for the country. Minister Augusta Flomo appreciated the participation of all stakeholders, especially development partners, and expressed Liberia's readiness to achieve more through the SDGs.
“We are committed to support Liberia, we all have identified our weakness and strength with strategic recommendation on how Liberia can push towards achievement of the SDG” he elaborated.
The national consultation is a precursor to the SDGs Summit, to be held in New York, September 18-19, 2023. This year, 2023, marks the mid-point of the SDGs, with calls for a strong recommitment and acceleration to achieve the Goals.
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Press Release
31 August 2023
Joint Statement by International Partners on the Electoral Process in Liberia
Joint Statement by International Partners on the Electoral Process in Liberia
The International Community in Liberia commends the Liberian-led and Liberian-owned electoral process. We are mindful that the presidential and legislative elections will be the first to be primarily organised and administered by Liberia, since the drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Liberia in 2018. It is therefore a pivotal moment for Liberia to safeguard its peace and democracy and serve as an inspiration for Africa and the rest of the world.
The International Community in Liberia further commends the National Elections Commission for the conduct of a generally well-administered and transparent biometric voter registration and candidate nomination process and for its continuing efforts to demonstrate its independence and impartiality, which is crucial for public confidence in the institution and the electoral process.
As Liberia commemorates 20 years of unbroken peace, the International Community in Liberia calls on the signatories of the Farmington River Declaration 2023 to abide by their commitment and promote the conditions for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, prior, during and after elections.
The International Community in Liberia is concerned by the recent reports of election violence, urges the authorities to investigate and hold those responsible to account, and appeals to all Liberians to safeguard the hard-won peace gains. We bring attention to inflammatory rhetoric which has the potential to instigate violence. We therefore urge political leaders to be active peace messengers and promote issue-based campaigns and refrain from incitement of followers toward violent action, especially violence against women in elections and politics and, to resolve any grievance through established legal mechanisms. We further caution against the instrumentalization of the youth.
The International Community in Liberia reaffirms its unwavering support to the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to consolidate peace and inclusive democracy.
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Press Release
17 August 2023
THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE SIMÃO CONCLUDES A THREE-DAY VISIT TO LIBERIA, CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE, PEACEFUL AND DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS
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. This visit was part of his regional familiarization tour, following his appointment as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.
The Special Representative was received in audience by H.E. Georges Weah, President of Liberia, and had meetings with Mr. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Frank Musah Dean, Minister of Justice, and members of the National Elections Commission. He also held discussions with Youth and Women organizations, members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the diplomatic corps, and the United Nations country team.
To all his interlocuters, Mr. Simão reiterated the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations Country team to strengthen their partnership with Liberia, and to continue working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other members of the international community, to support Liberia’s path towards lasting democracy, peace, and prosperity.
During his visit, the Special Representative also participated in the stakeholder forum that took place on 15 August in preparation of the upcoming presidential elections to be held in October 2023. He commended all stakeholders, and called on the presidential candidates to uphold their commitment for the implementation of the Farmington River Declaration which paves the way for an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic process. He stressed the responsibility of all stakeholders to educate their supporters to the rules of good conduct demonstrating their responsible leadership. The Special Representative encouraged all actors to harness the positive force of Liberian women and called on Liberian youth to continue playing a positive role as agents of peace.
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Press Release
04 July 2023
Human Rights 75: Women and Girl's Right to Participate in Public and Political Life
Monrovia, Liberia – July 03, 2023 - This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. On April 24, 2023, the UN in Liberia officially launched the Human Rights 75 campaign (HR75) with the national authorities, CSOs and all stakeholders. Since the launch, a series of activities and awareness raising on the campaign has been ongoing during a series of activities in the country and through ECOWAS, including a radio talk show.
For each month in 2023, OHCHR, globally, shines a spotlight on one critical theme spanning a range of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights – highlighting different aspects of the Universal Declaration and calling for concrete action by States and others. This month's spotlight is on Women's political participation, focusing on women and girls with disabilities. OHCHR will collaborate with the National Commission on Disability and the National Union of Organisations on the Disabled to host a dialogue with women and girls with disabilities on July 04 2023.
"While women's political participation rates are low overall, women with disabilities are even more underrepresented due to discriminatory norms and attitudes based on gender and disability. This makes people consider them incapable of voting or holding office due to stereotypical characteristics ascribed to women and physical or intellectual disabilities. This contributes to a lack of access to polling stations, inaccessible voting material, and few women political candidates with disabilities. Electoral processes should be inclusive and participatory, and any action to improve women's participation in political and public life must include women and girls with disabilities", said UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni.
In his speech at the launch of the HR75, Honourable Frank Musah Dean Jr, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia and HR75 Champion for Liberia, mentioned that the increased budget allocated to the National Commission on Disabilities in 2023 indicates the government's political will to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities at the level of policies and programs.
"To encourage women and girls participation in the body politic of Liberia, it should firstly begin with political parties themselves taking action against stereotyping and stigmatising them", said Rev. Fallah S. Boima, vice chairperson of the National Commission of Disabilities, speaking during the HR75 Live Talkshow hosted on ECOWAS Radio.
"The human rights framework recommends strengthening the national legal framework to ensure gender equality in the public and the private spheres and protect women from violence on and offline, and mostly supporting women and girls with disabilities", said OHCHR Country Representative Christian Mukosa.
Please visit the OHCHR website for more information and updates on Human Rights75.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/get-involved/campaign/udhr-75
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Press Release
19 June 2023
Government of Liberia in Collaboration with ALL United Nations and Development Partners hold Sector Portfolio Review
The overarching objective of the SPPR is to improve transparency, mutual accountability, effectiveness and decision-making in the management of development financing. The SPPR is expected to:
Facilitate a high-level policy and program dialogue meant to review the performance of each budget sector, identify gaps, and improve on the implementation of agreed programs in the sectors under DPs funded initiatives and the interlink with GOL planned programs.
Facilitate increased coordination in DPs’ financed programs/projects and to provide a forum for the cross-fertilization of ideas, experiences and information sharing across all sectors.
Provide a platform for the stocktaking of annual sectoral achievements and identify opportunities for future collaboration meant to improve development cooperation.
Strengthen coordination of development cooperation efforts, capacity to effectively coordinate stakeholder engagements, management of partner resources, improve management cycle and improve data collection to support the implementation of the PAPD and the “Liberia rising 2030” national vision.
This event will also serve as the launch for the study on “Drivers of Sustainable and Inclusive Development”. This study is intended to inform development factors in the country.
The United Nations and development partners in Liberia are resolved to continue strengthening collaboration and coordination with the Government on sustainable development, building on agreed UN/GOL coordination mechanisms for dialogue, development cooperation and mutual accountability for the benefit of the people of Liberia.
-END-
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Press Release
06 April 2023
Ahead of October Presidential And Parliamentary Elections In Liberia, DSRSG BIHA Commends the Political Parties for The Signing Of The Revised Farmington River Declaration
PRESS RELEASE
06 March 2023 -The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer in Charge of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Giovanie BIHA, today concluded a four-day working visit to the Republic of Liberia.
The objective of the visit was to participate in the signing ceremony of The Revised Farmington River Declaration 2023, organized on 4th April in Margibi under the auspices of Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC), the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), and the United Nations (UN); and to discuss with the authorities’, ways of reinforcing UN-Liberia partnership ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 2023.
Prior to the signing ceremony of the Farmington River Declaration 2023, the Deputy Special Representative was received in audience by His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia. She also met with Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frank Musa Dean, Minister of Justice, Maria G. Harrison, Secretary-General of the Mano River Union (MRU), members of the international community, Davidetta Browne Lansanah, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and NEC commissioners, civil society organizations, and the UN Country Team.
In her meetings, Ms. Biha applauded the tireless efforts being taken by the authorities and national actors to consolidate peace and democracy in Liberia, and renewed the United Nations support to accompany them in their endeavor.
In Margibi, along with H.E President George Weah in his capacity of a political leader and standard-bearer, H. E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ms. Biha witnessed the signing ceremony of The Revised Farmington River Declaration 2023 during which the leaders of 27 political parties pledged their commitment to peaceful,transparent, and credible elections for the upcoming presidential and legislative polls in October 2023.
Addressing the ceremony, Ms. Biha emphasized the significance of the momentum in anchoring peace and democracy in Liberia. “I commend the leaders of political parties for their commitment to uphold peaceful elections, respect the rule of law, and resolve disputes through legal means,” said Biha, adding that the United Nations will remain mobilized to contribute to the consolidation of peace, stability, and development in Liberia.
The Deputy Special Representative also took part in a Diplomatic Dialogue on the role of political parties in promoting women’s political participation in Liberia” co-organized by the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women, and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center for women and development. Before concluding her visit, on Thursday 6, Ms. Biha visited a voter registration center in Margibi where she engaged with election officials and praised the work of NEC and its voter registration efforts.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations support and called on the people of Liberia to redouble their efforts to ensure that the upcoming 2023 elections will further deepen democratic consolidation in Liberia and in the region.
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