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08 August 2022
The United Nations and the Government of Liberia Reaffirm Commitment to Support At-Risk Youth in Liberia
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Press Release
02 August 2022
Joint Statement by the International Community on Political Violence
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01 August 2022
GEF Approves Sinoe County Coastal Resilience Project Following Stakeholders’ Endorsement
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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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23 May 2022
Beneficiaries of UN Peacebuilding Project Laud Initiative for Enhancing Peace, Unity & Development
They noted that the project is also promoting gender equality, women’s inclusion, and land dispute resolution are becoming the reality of everyday life.
According to the citizens, land conflict, particularly in post-war years, has had no respite and the people have felt the brunt of what they are calling “a big problem that was dividing us.” Joshua Daindah is a resident and a farmer who knows too well the painful headache land conflict has wreaked on the people. “Land conflict was a big issue here. Whenever it arose people used to rush there, fighting would erupt, and it was not easy. But now we have a land management committee set up by UN Women and others. Whenever there is land conflict, the committee investigates it and amicably solves the problem. We thank the UN for this project”.
In Liberia, land conflict is as old as the country itself. It is said to be among the oldest forms of disputes and is recognized as the biggest source of division surpassing ethnic and any other disagreements. Mr. Daindah admitted the issue is older than him. “Land conflict was here before the war. We came on earth and met our people inside. I was small and used to see some of it…”
In support of peacebuilding in post-war Liberia, the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund placed priorities on supporting women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and the furtherance of human rights. In 2020, a joint programme implemented by UN Women, UNDP and WFP commenced. The programme on “sustaining peace and reconciliation through strengthening land governance and dispute resolution mechanisms” is a three-years intervention funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund through the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in collaboration with the Liberia Land Authority, other national institutions and civil society organizations.
In Nimba County alone, the project has won admiration in Korsein, Yarsonnoh, and Gbayblain (these are just 3 of the 16 project communities visited) where it is making great gains in raising awareness on land conflict, domestic violence, and enhancing peace and women’s inclusion.
Korsein Town together with its surrounding hamlets is replete with stories of land conflict and domestic violence including wife-beating, which residents said the PBF project has helped prevent from spiraling out of hand. Giving an example, Kou Dolakeh, Chairlady of the Dolakeh Farmers Group, told a huge townhall meeting attended by visitors and locals, how a traumatic land conflict between a mother and her son was resolved after a long period of disunity and bad blood between them. “The conflict was over family land that divided the family and went to court. It was intractable. The case was finally resolved recently by the Land Management Committee in Korsein and everybody was satisfied”.
During the townhall meeting, the women took center stage, explaining that the PBF has given women of Korsein and surrounding settlements dignity, voice, and inclusion not only in household and family matters but also at community-level decision making.
In Yarsonnoh Town, on the main Ganta-to-Saclepea route, Kou Mehmakeh, Vivian Suah, Yador Cooper, and Amos Lekaryean disclosed that the PBF has united them, given them farming livelihoods, and there is no turning back. Vivian, smiling, moved forward and began to speak: “We are very happy about the PBF programme. It has united us and given us awareness – women, men, youth. We can now sit together to make decisions on land matters. In the past, it was not possible”. She emphasized the need to do more but said the fact that women are now part of decisions affecting them - especially regarding land ownership and access - is a historic milestone. Yador Cooper was even more emphatic: “In the past, only men always made the decisions and left women out. Now I can boast that I can even become a town chief of this community”.
Further down the main route is Gbayblain town where town chief Jenkins Yorkoi, Chairlady Maron Kenziah, Williatta Selekie and a host of over 15 women lauded the project and told fond stories of the PBF helping in solving issues around land conflict and domestic violence.
In both Korsein and Yarsonooh communities, the PBF is also supporting group farming activities. Supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), the people are growing improved varieties of groundnuts, corn, vegetables and will soon set action on lowland rice.
Beneficiaries - men, women, and youth - expressed satisfaction over the benefits the project has brought in terms of peace, unity, and agricultural livelihoods creation. They want it expanded to other communities and are urging the UN to support bigger actions around sustainability.
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04 July 2022
Fund Drive for the Joint Youth Programme for At-Risk Youth Launched by President Weah
President Weah said that the initiative would require a significant financial investment , with the initial set of interventions set at approximately 13 million USD. To kickstart, the President pledged from Government , an initial amount of one million USD this year, with a additional two million USD to be appropriated within the subsequent budget.
Stressing the importance of the initiative, the President warned that continued neglect of the plight of these at risk youth can rapidly develop into a significant threat to society.
UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, speaking on behalf of the United Nations Team noted his elation to be participating in the first Fund Raising Drive led by President Weah. He said, " as the United Nations and yourself believe in the potential and the power of the young people ,which if nurtured, harnessed and enabled have a potential to fulfill hopes and dreams ; we hope that this will be the beginning of an integrated programme, to address not only youth at risk issues, but also the broader issues that affect the future of the young people in Liberia ".
Mr. Scott highlighted the Socio-economic Empowerment of Disadvantaged Youth Project (SEED) between 2019 and 2021. This programme was led by the Government and supported by the UN and the Liberia Peace Building Fund and it rehabilitated 590 youth and empowered them with livelihood skills. He noted that currently, most of them have established and are running their own businesses. "From this we have learnt that when the young people are given the opportunities, they do change their narrative from bad habits to become productive citizens", he said.
On behalf of the UN, the Resident Coordinator applauded His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Liberia and His Government and all Development Partners, CSOs and the Private sector for their support and looked forward to the realization of the programme for the betterment of Liberia’s future.
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01 August 2022
GEF Approves Sinoe County Coastal Resilience Project Following Stakeholders’ Endorsement
This follows the endorsement of the Sinoe Coastal Project by stakeholders.
The Liberian government through the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) will tackle the effects of sea erosion on the livelihoods, assets and entire ecosystems of over 16,000 people in coastal communities in Sinoe.
The project titled “Enhancing the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in Sinoe County of Liberia”, will be mainly implemented in Greenville, but will extend some soft services like provision of micro-finance, value addition, and sustainable agriculture to other coastal counties.
Sinoe County Superintendent Lee Nagbe Chea Sr. stressed that the project would focus on empowering the people who directly feel the impacts of climate change. He encouraged direct involvement of communities in the implementation of the project to help prepare them to take ownership and responsibility for the project, adding that the people of Sinoe were eagerly anticipating positive impacts from the project.
UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques also reiterated building a strong partnership with the communities by seeking to enlist their full cooperation and support during the implementation of the project to achieve success.
“The cooperation of communities is key to the successful implementation of the project. We look forward to working with the government and the county authorities to establish county-level coordination groups to enhance implementation,” said Rodriques.
“While the project presents viable solutions in addressing the impacts of climate change, it is important to develop long-term integrated and participatory planning that involves the public sector, private sector, and communities at all levels of governance,” he noted.
The project will construct an 800-meter-long revetment to protect Mississippi Street in Greenville, Sinoe County and a 700-meter-long revetment to protect the shoreline by reducing coastal erosion around the inlet where the Sinoe/Sehnkwehn river empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Deputy Mines and Energy Minister, George Abou Gontor, thanked development partners including GEF for the support provided to the Sinoe project.
“This project will build on experiences gained from the implementation of previous projects in New Kru Town and Buchanan, funded by GEF, the Government of Liberia and other partners”.
The Deputy Executive Director of the EPA Randall M. Dobayou said Liberia’s partnership with UNDP was highly beneficial to the country.
He said the Government is committed to doing more in protecting its coastlines, coastal ecosystems, and the environment from the impacts of climate change and other environmental issues. “There is a strong need for continuous participation from different stakeholder groups - youth, women, fishermen, elders, etc., in Sinoe County,” said Dobayou.
The livelihood benefits of the project will expand beyond the fisheries industry to other sectors such as agriculture and forestry among others etc.
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01 August 2022
Peace Huts Empower Liberian Women in Peacebuilding
Bo Waterside is one of many Peace Huts supported by UN Women to enhance women’s participation in peacebuilding and to empower them economically.
“The main activities conducted at the Peace Hut include conflict resolution and provision of counselling services.
We provide adult literacy classes for members. Most women did not know how to read and write, but they can now write their names. I feel proud because I can also write my name, something I could not do before.
We did not know about our rights. We now know that women can own land. Through UN Women, the Peace Hut has empowered us to have more information. The life that we used to live has changed.
We were also taught to establish village savings and loan associations (VLSA) that help us to earn income. We are now doing business and most members are now able to pay school fees for their children. We have established two shops as members of the Peace Hut. We use the profits to repay the VLSA loan, maintain and sustain our Peace Hut.
The Peace Hut has made me stronger. I can now talk in front of people. I did not know that women can contest in elections as candidates. The Peace Hut taught us that woman can stand for elections.”
The Bo Waterside Peace Hut was established in 2019 and has a membership of 178 people (18 men and 160 women). UN Women is supporting women from the Peace Huts with leadership and vocational skills training as well as economic empowerment initiatives to enhance gender equality in line with sustainable development goal 5.
“The main activities conducted at the Peace Hut include conflict resolution and provision of counselling services.
We provide adult literacy classes for members. Most women did not know how to read and write, but they can now write their names. I feel proud because I can also write my name, something I could not do before.
We did not know about our rights. We now know that women can own land. Through UN Women, the Peace Hut has empowered us to have more information. The life that we used to live has changed.
We were also taught to establish village savings and loan associations (VLSA) that help us to earn income. We are now doing business and most members are now able to pay school fees for their children. We have established two shops as members of the Peace Hut. We use the profits to repay the VLSA loan, maintain and sustain our Peace Hut.
The Peace Hut has made me stronger. I can now talk in front of people. I did not know that women can contest in elections as candidates. The Peace Hut taught us that woman can stand for elections.”
The Bo Waterside Peace Hut was established in 2019 and has a membership of 178 people (18 men and 160 women). UN Women is supporting women from the Peace Huts with leadership and vocational skills training as well as economic empowerment initiatives to enhance gender equality in line with sustainable development goal 5.
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23 May 2022
Ambassadorial-Level Meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission Liberia Configuration Held in Monrovia
H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), convened the meeting to discuss continued support to building and sustaining peace in Liberia, with a focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including eliminating gender-based violence and promoting women’s political participation in the context of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections of 2023.
Participants in the PBC Liberia configuration meeting heard from the Government of Liberia, represented by H.E. Mr. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Mrs. Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Niels Scott, UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia and Cllr. Dr. Yvette Chesson-WurehCo-Chair of FemWise, Initiator of the award winning Women’s Situation Room and Establishment Coordinator of the Angie Brooks International Centre, also briefed the meeting.
Members of the Configuration were also invited to provide inputs for the Chair’s visit to Liberia (4-9 June 2022).
See remarks from the UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, at the occasion below:
H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström
Chair, and
Distinguished members of the Peacebuilding Commission Configuration for Liberia
Hon. Dee Maxwell Sahr Kemayah Snr.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia
Hon. Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr
Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic and Counselor Corps in New York and Liberia
Cllr. Dr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh
Co-Chair of FemWise and Establishment Coordinator of the Angie Brooks International Centre
UN colleagues in New York and here in Liberia
To ensure gender equality becomes a reality for all women and girls in Liberia, profound changes are needed in all sectors. This requires persistence, bold and practical ways to break down the barriers that continue to hold women and girls back, and a long-term vision and commitment. Allow me therefore to warmly commend Her Excellency, Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, Chair, and members of the Peacebuilding Commission Configuration for Liberia, for bringing additional focus to an issue that remains elusive. Despite some progress, much more needs to be done to tackle gender inequality comprehensively, and increase women’s rights, opportunities and political participation. Permit me to focus on two areas: women in leadership and sexual and gender-based violence.
Women in leadership
Madam Chair, there is widespread agreement that women continue to be severely underrepresented in politics, a prominent weakness in Liberia’s political landscape. With women occupying merely 8 of the House of Representatives’ 73 seats and 2 of 30 Senators’ seats, it is clear that female candidates entering the Liberian political arena tend to face more obstacles than their male counterparts. Arguably, the introduction of a 30 per cent gender quota on candidate listings can encourage more women to run for office and improve female representation in the Liberian legislature. Doing so is one way to ensure inclusivity, equality, and genuine democracy.
After years of persistent advocacy and engagement, the House of Representatives passed the Electoral Reform Bill and it is our understanding that the Senate Committees on Autonomous Agencies, Elections and Judiciary are expected to submit the Bill to Senate plenary for deliberations, today, 19 May and, hopefully, receive concurrence. The House voted to amend Section 4.5 of the 1986 election law which sets aside an exclusive 30 per cent for women representation in every political party during the submission of candidates to the National Elections Commission (NEC). Section 4.5 (1d) of the Elections Law Amendment Act also calls for a Political Party or Coalition to have at least one female contestant for every primary at a convention for each constituency. The punishment for defaulting political parties is that their candidate listing will be rejected by the Elections Commission and the affected party may be entitled to re-submit within the required period. This is a huge step on the way to achieving gender parity.
However, the quota will not insulate women active in political life against prejudice, discrimination and acts of psychological and physical violence when they join a field from which they have been traditionally excluded. This phenomenon is not unique to Liberia, nor is it new. Women running for political office in Liberia defy social norms and are often considered as intruders – scrutinised, stigmatised, and targeted – not only by their political rivals but by almost everyone, including the media, communities, or even families. This in turn directly hinders progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda. The United Nations in Liberia will continue to pay particular attention to advancing women’s political participation, to ensure that decision-making processes are participatory, responsive, equitable and inclusive.
Violence against women and girls
The prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence remains high in Liberia, and the rise in rape cases is alarming, especially of minors. It is estimated that at least 38.2 per cent of girls and women aged 15-49 have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), which is considered a serious human rights violation, and an extreme form of violence. With support from the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, alternative economic livelihood activities are being provided for traditional practitioners who operate Sande schools in order to provide alternative sources of income replacing FGM, among others.
In February 2022, Chief Zanzan Kawa, head of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia announced a three-year ban on FGM. This bold step is a positive stride towards the protection of women’s and girls’ rights in the country, and the United Nations commends the Government of Liberia for this. However, effective monitoring and holding violators accountable remains a challenge.
Madam Chair, Excellencies, in our regular Ambassadorial-level meeting on 6 May, on progress on FGM, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Chief Zanzan Kawa made it clear that criminalising the practice of FGM in Liberia will not eliminate the practice. It is increasingly clear that ending FGM in Liberia must be led by women at the local level; it is after all their body, their rights. Such credible people within communities are best placed to change from the bottom up.
I would like to conclude by underscoring that, collectively, we need to do more, design and implement better policies, demand accountability and focus on local communities. Achieving gender equality in Liberia is no small task. If we continue at the current snail rate, Liberia may not achieve gender parity in the next 50 years.
I also call on the Configuration to continue to bring a strategic approach and coherence to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Liberia and to remain seized of the electoral process, and its potential to trigger and escalate conflict if not managed properly.
Finally, Madam Chair, we look forward to welcoming you in Liberia in about two weeks.
Thank you for your attention.
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08 August 2022
The United Nations and the Government of Liberia Reaffirm Commitment to Support At-Risk Youth in Liberia
The event, which was geared towards rehabilitating, empowering and reintegration of At-Risk Youth into their communities as healthy, productive, and engaged citizens, saw commitments from several key stakeholders, including the Government of Liberia, who pledged US$1 million to start the programme.
Since then, efforts have been underway by the Government and the UN Agencies to move ahead with this critical initiative. On August 4th, a week before International Day of the Youth on August 12th, a high-level preparatory meeting was held to agree on the next steps of this initiative.
The meeting was chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Honorable D. Zeogar Wilson, was also attended by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Honorable Samuel D. Tweh, Jr., Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhemina Jallah, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs. Williametta Saydee-Tarr, and Assistant Minister of Justice, Attorney Edrick F. Noah. The UNFPA Representative, Bidisha Pillai, UNICEF Representative Laila Gad, UNDP Representative, Stephen Rodrigues, and WHO Representative, Dr. Clement Peter were also in attendance.
They participants agreed that a High-level National Steering Committee would be established with representatives from the Government, UN, Development Partners, CSOs, and youth themselves. This Steering Committee will provide leadership and oversight for the programme. They further agreed on forming a Technical Working Group that will provide technical oversight for the development and implementation of the Programme and a Secretariat to support the overall coordination of the programme.
“The increasing number of young people on drugs and the number of youths living in the streets means that a whole generation might not reach their full potential,” said Youth and Sports Minister D. Zeogar Wilson during the opening address.
Minister Wilson said it was critical for the Government and the UN to agree on the programmme development and implementation framework to ensure synergy and avoid duplication of efforts.
The United Nations UN Liberia Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, speaking at the opening of the meeting, said the UN welcomed the bilateral engagement with the Government of Liberia to improve the condition of young people, especially the At-Risk population. Mr. Scott called for a Multi-Partners Trust Fund to allow for a transparent collaboration and coordination framework in the programme’s implementation.
The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Samuel D. Tweah, Jr., reiterated the commitment of the President and the Government to prioritize this area over the next ten years.
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25 July 2022
Grand Bassa Hits 71% COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage
The World Health Organization Liberia Representative Dr Peter Clement accompanied the Minister of Health-Honorable Wilhelmina Jallah, to congratulate the Grand Bassa County Health Team for the great work the county has done, having attained 71% COVID-19 vaccination coverage for the total county population.
Liberia has six big counties out of the 15 that hold most of Liberia's population-and Grand Bassa is one. The Grand Bassa County Health Officer, Dr Sylvester Wheh, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support the county received from the national level in enabling the county to attain success. "It hasn’t been an easy road, but we have been supported through and through by our national headquarters and WHO. This indeed motivated us as a team to work harder to achieve more, and yes, together we made it",said Dr Wheh. "I am very proud that our big counties are setting the trend. First it was Nimba, then Lofa, and now Grand Bassa. We congratulate you on a job well done; this is important for the country. Even for vaccination coverage among health workers, Liberia is way on top of the charts—thank you," said Minister Jallah. She further added that it is because of the achievements that the country has cordially made, that Liberia is now classified as a low-risk country for COVID-19. "When the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, Liberia was not spared. We all know what we went through as a country and how we survived as individuals—it was a rough journey. Vaccines came in 2021 with many unknowns, coupled with myths and misconceptions, and we gradually introduced the vaccines from the central level to the counties, "said Dr. Clement. "In all the four peaks of the pandemic, the more cases we saw, indicated the greater need to vaccinate more people with an aim of attaining herd immunity. The counties committed to making sure the people got vaccinated and we saw the progress, and it is evident that giving the power to the counties, with strong community engagement and promoting community ownership of the process - produces greater results- Congratulations-we are proud of you", narrated Dr Clement. "Our vaccinators are our foot soldiers; they deliver even through the most difficult climate conditions and walk long distances to get the work done—the superintendents, community leaders, they are all appreciated," said Dr. Clement. Moving forward, the county was challenged to reach the global target of 90% by December, 2022. Additionally, the county was further advised to devise strategies on integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization. Climaxing the event, various awards were presented to team players that delivered exceptionally in making the success a reality, with an award also presented to the county for its exceptional performance in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for Liberia. Grand Bassa is the third county in Liberia to achieve more than 70% coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination against its total county population of 296,560, where at least 210,631 persons aged 12 years and above have received COVID-19 vaccination. The UN in Liberia, in collaboration with other counterparts, has immensely supported the Ministry of Health in the COVID-19 response, both technically, materially, and financially. Today, Liberia, now standing at 54%, is one of the eight countries in Africa that have fully vaccinated between 40-70% of their national populations, making it the only country in West Africa to have reached this milestone. This has been possible with support from the COVAX facility and various partners including the US Government, Germany, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs-France(MEAE),ECHO,CDC and USAID. Media contacts: Leticia Nangwale Communications Officer WHO Liberia Email : nangwalel@who.int Tél. : +231 775704529
Liberia has six big counties out of the 15 that hold most of Liberia's population-and Grand Bassa is one. The Grand Bassa County Health Officer, Dr Sylvester Wheh, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support the county received from the national level in enabling the county to attain success. "It hasn’t been an easy road, but we have been supported through and through by our national headquarters and WHO. This indeed motivated us as a team to work harder to achieve more, and yes, together we made it",said Dr Wheh. "I am very proud that our big counties are setting the trend. First it was Nimba, then Lofa, and now Grand Bassa. We congratulate you on a job well done; this is important for the country. Even for vaccination coverage among health workers, Liberia is way on top of the charts—thank you," said Minister Jallah. She further added that it is because of the achievements that the country has cordially made, that Liberia is now classified as a low-risk country for COVID-19. "When the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, Liberia was not spared. We all know what we went through as a country and how we survived as individuals—it was a rough journey. Vaccines came in 2021 with many unknowns, coupled with myths and misconceptions, and we gradually introduced the vaccines from the central level to the counties, "said Dr. Clement. "In all the four peaks of the pandemic, the more cases we saw, indicated the greater need to vaccinate more people with an aim of attaining herd immunity. The counties committed to making sure the people got vaccinated and we saw the progress, and it is evident that giving the power to the counties, with strong community engagement and promoting community ownership of the process - produces greater results- Congratulations-we are proud of you", narrated Dr Clement. "Our vaccinators are our foot soldiers; they deliver even through the most difficult climate conditions and walk long distances to get the work done—the superintendents, community leaders, they are all appreciated," said Dr. Clement. Moving forward, the county was challenged to reach the global target of 90% by December, 2022. Additionally, the county was further advised to devise strategies on integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization. Climaxing the event, various awards were presented to team players that delivered exceptionally in making the success a reality, with an award also presented to the county for its exceptional performance in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for Liberia. Grand Bassa is the third county in Liberia to achieve more than 70% coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination against its total county population of 296,560, where at least 210,631 persons aged 12 years and above have received COVID-19 vaccination. The UN in Liberia, in collaboration with other counterparts, has immensely supported the Ministry of Health in the COVID-19 response, both technically, materially, and financially. Today, Liberia, now standing at 54%, is one of the eight countries in Africa that have fully vaccinated between 40-70% of their national populations, making it the only country in West Africa to have reached this milestone. This has been possible with support from the COVAX facility and various partners including the US Government, Germany, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs-France(MEAE),ECHO,CDC and USAID. Media contacts: Leticia Nangwale Communications Officer WHO Liberia Email : nangwalel@who.int Tél. : +231 775704529
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30 June 2022
UN Assistant Secretary General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Visit Liberia
During her visit, she held several strategic meetings with high-level government officials and women leaders. She also interacted with women who are beneficiaries of UN Women interventions in Liberia.
Ms. Regner was accompanied by UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Ms. Oulimata Sarr.
Some of the high-level officials that Ms. Regner met include, Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah; Acting Minister of Justice, Hon. Nyanti Tuan, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Williametta Saydee Tarr; and Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Varney Sirleaf. Ms. Regner also had a chance to meet the UN Country Team and members of the diplomatic community and development partners.
During her engagements, Ms. Regner emphasized UN Women’s commitment to support the Government and people of Liberia to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the country.
She noted that Liberia has made important strides to advance the rights of women and girls over the past two decades through legislative reforms and targeted programmes to eradicate discriminatory barriers and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, despite challenges.
Ms. Regner had an opportunity to visit the vocational and heritage centre in Todee in Montserrado County constructed by UN Women under the European Union, and UN Spotlight Initiative. UN Women is establishing four vocational and heritage centres in four Counties to provide alternative economic livelihood programs to traditional practitioners as part of interventions to eliminate FGM in Liberia. The centres will serve as dedicated learning centres for traditional practitioners and young women and girls to acquire new livelihood skills.
Ms. Regner also interacted with former traditional practitioners of female genital mutilation. At least 300 traditional practitioners have benefitted from the alternative economic livelihood programme, which was launched in December 2019 under the Spotlight Initiative.
Speaking at the Spotlight Initiative occasion, which was held in Sonkay, Todee District, Montserrado County, UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, noted the great privilege accorded to the UN team and delegation to have been received by the people of Sonkay town. He stated, "what we’ve heard and what we’ve seen in Sonkay is impressive in trying to eliminate FGM". He further shared, "We’ve seen a very firm commitment by the elders, by the people of Sonkay town, by the mothers to eradicate this notorious activity". We’ve got that commitment. I don’t think we have achieved 100% success straight away but we are certainly on the way to doing that".
The UN Women Deputy Executive Director ,Ms. Asa Regner, was also delighted to meet various women’s groups and young women leaders to discuss opportunities for enhancing women’s participation in politics and leadership. Ms. Regner also applauded the contributions made to peace building, justice, and conflict resolution by members of the Fish Market Women’s Peace Hut, who shared their experience of how they are contributing.to strengthening social cohesion and supporting women's access to justice
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06 June 2022
National Youth Project Receives Boost From the United Nations in Liberia and Partners
The program brought together United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Niels Scott, Laurent Delahousse, Head of the European Mission to Liberia and other foreign diplomats. Also in attendance from the government were Finance and Development Planning Minister , Samuel D. Tweah, Jr., Youth and Sports Minister, D. Zeogar Wilson and Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee, among others.
The National At-Risk Youth document was drafted in 2021 and endorsed by the cabinet in February 2022 to rehabilitate at-risk youth through technical vocational skills and social circle counseling process in order to make them self-reliant and productive citizens to promote peace in the society. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports as the lead Ministry the project, along with the Ministry of Health, Gender, Justice, and Finance, among others.
Making the disclosure at the high-level dinner hosted by the United Nations and other international partners, Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Jr., said the US$13 million fundraising marks the beginning of a comprehensive holistic approach against drug abuse and the rehabilitation & reintegration of at-risk youth.
“Today’s dinner is the beginning of the framing and partnership on the at-risk youth project. President George Weah sees this approach as [a] step toward mitigating the influx of at-risk youth across the country,” said Mr. Tweah. “He also sees this as a most significant threat to the country and based upon that, he endorsed the national plan for a comprehensive holistic approach against the fight of drugs and the rehabilitation of our at-risk youth” .
Giving an overview of the project, Youth and Sports Minister, D. Zeogar Wilson, noted that a technical team comprising Liberia’s partners from the UN had been established, based on request from the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, to develop a national plan to address the concern of At-risk youth across the country. According to him, the National At-Risk Youth Project will provide psychosocial counseling, detoxification, vocational and technical skills training, family reintegration and make them serviceable to the society to be good citizens.
Mr. Niels Scott, United Nations Resident Coordinator, expressed excitement over the program and pledged the UN’s continued support toward transforming the youth across the country. He stated that the United Nations and development partners have supported this government’s efforts not only to ensure peace but social justice and increased access to social services throughout the country.
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26 May 2022
Stakeholders Begin Consultations on the Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals in Liberia
The Honorable Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning , Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, Madam Tanneh G. Brunson, in her welcome remarks noted that the meetings were intended not only to review but to assess contributions made towards achieving the targets set out as a country for the SDGs. She stated that in 2020, Liberia conducted its first VNR of the SDGs , but the nation was unable to provide adequate reporting on its contributions to the SDGs, using a more inclusive and participatory approach due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Liberia intends to report for the second time in 2022, drawing from its experiences, challenges and lessons learnt in order to produce a well-documented report centered on multi-stakeholders participation , integration and alignment", she said.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott, thanked the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning for their leadership of the VNR process. Speaking on the SDGs, the Resident Coordinator provided an interesting analogy based on football, saying, "the Goals define why we are playing, but the game is not just about the Goals; it also about the skills and innovation we apply to achieve the Goals". "One team(our team) is playing against another team ( Poverty, Hunger, Environmental Degradation, etc)"
He pointed out that the SDGs do not exist on their own but are linked to the national development agenda- the PAPD- and that the VNR process compels stakeholders to measure not only progress but that which is not being measured to find solutions on how to resolve the overlooked issues. He stressed that the world is now about 8 years to the end of the SDG cycle and this Review experience is expected to be crucial as a consensus building tool among us the stakeholders, as well as a pivotal learning mechanism that should bring us all around the same table moving forward.
Mr. Scott concluded by remarking that he was certain that the process will show the way forward and provide essential source of lessons learned and experience sharing for a more efficient SDG delivery nationally.
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Press Release
02 August 2022
Joint Statement by the International Community on Political Violence
We urge a prompt and thorough investigation by the police, that will bring to justice the instigators and perpetrators of these acts of violence.
We welcome the swift condemnation by political, governmental, and civil society actors of the violent acts which occurred, and we encourage all political leaders to act firmly in preventing and eliminating political intolerance and violence.
Liberia has a record of free, fair, and transparent elections over the last two decades, making this country an example of stability and democracy in the region.
Violence is not the right way to resolve disputes. Political differences should be resolved by dialogue.
We therefore encourage all actors to act responsibly and embrace the principles of tolerance, democracy, and constitutionalism for an inclusive, transparent, and peaceful election process in Liberia 2022-2023.
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Press Release
23 July 2022
Joint Statement by International Partners on the Lofa By-election
The people of Lofa have once more shown their unrelenting commitment to democracy. We welcome reports that the election proceeded largely smoothly, without major incident.
The International Community in Liberia commends the National Elections Commission for a generally well-administered process, despite challenges. We urge the Government of Liberia and the elections commission to seize the current momentum to make progress on the preparations for peaceful, inclusive, and credible general elections, as scheduled in October 2023, which is crucial for consolidating peace.
The International Community in Liberia calls upon political stakeholders to refrain from using intemperate language and underscores the need to ensure accountability for any violations of the rule of law that might otherwise occur. We continue to stress that any electoral dispute should be resolved peacefully through established legal channels.
We also encourage the Liberian authorities, and other political stakeholders, to listen to the Liberian people, including the half of the population who are female, and adopt measures that will ensure and facilitate increased gender equality, including increased active participation and representation of women in electoral processes and in the Legislature.
The International Community in Liberia reaffirms its continued commitment in support of Liberia’s efforts to achieve sustainable peace, reconciliation, and development.
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Press Release
30 June 2022
Assistant Secretary General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director reiterates UN Women Commitment to Promote Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Liberia
While in the country, she held several strategic meetings with high-level government officials and women leaders. She also interacted with women who are beneficiaries of UN Women interventions in Liberia.
Ms. Regner was accompanied by UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Ms. Oulimata Sarr.
Some of the high-level officials that Ms. Regner met include, Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah; Acting Minister of Justice, Hon. Nyanti Tuan, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Williametta Saydee Tarr; and Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Varney Sirleaf. Ms. Regner also had a chance to meet the UN Country Team and members of the diplomatic community and development partners.
During her engagements, Ms. Regner emphasized UN Women’s commitment to support the Government and people of Liberia to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the country.
She noted that Liberia has made important strides to advance the rights of women and girls over the past two decades through legislative reforms and targeted programmes to eradicate discriminatory barriers and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, despite challenges.
Ms. Regner had an opportunity to visit the vocational and heritage centre in Todee in Montserrado County constructed by UN Women under the European Union, and UN Spotlight Initiative. UN Women is establishing four vocational and heritage centres in four Counties to provide alternative economic livelihood programs to traditional practitioners as part of interventions to eliminate FGM in Liberia. The centres will serve as dedicated learning centres for traditional practitioners and young women and girls to acquire new livelihood skills.
Ms. Regner also interacted with former traditional practitioners of female genital mutilation. At least 300 traditional practitioners have benefitted from the alternative economic livelihood programme, which was launched in December 2019 under the Spotlight Initiative.
Although milestones have been achieved, there has been little progress in women’s political participation, leadership, and representation in national and local governance. The percentage of women in the legislature has fallen from over 16 percent in 2006 to less than 11 percent currently.
Ms. Regner called upon the country leadership to foster a common agenda to promote women political participation and take advantage of the 30 percent gender quota for political party candidates, as Liberia is preparing for the 2023 elections.
The UN Women Deputy Executive Director was also delighted to meet various women’s groups and young women leaders to discuss opportunities for enhancing women’s participation in politics and leadership. Ms. Regner also applauded the contributions made to peace building, justice, and conflict resolution by members of the Fish Market Women’s Peace Hut, who shared their experience of how they are contributing.to strengthening social cohesion and supporting women's access to justice.
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. The entity works to position gender equality as fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals, and a more inclusive world.
For More information please contact: -
Gloriah Ganyani
UN Women Liberia Communications Specialist
E-mail: gloria.ganyani@unwomen.org
Tel: 0776866201
Or
John Monibah
UN Women Liberia Communications Officer
E-mail: john.monibah@unwomen.org
Tel: 0776737521
#ENDS#
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Press Release
23 June 2022
Assistant Secretary General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director to visit Liberia
The visit is aimed at strengthening and re-affirming UN Women’s support to the advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in Liberia. Ms. Regner will be accompanied by the UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Ms. Oulimata Sarr.
During her visit, Ms. Regner is expected to meet various stakeholders including the President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. George Manneh Weah; Vice President, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor; several Government Ministers, development partners and the UN Country Team in Liberia.
The Deputy Executive Director will also meet various women’s groups and young women leaders, among others to discuss opportunities for enhancing women’s participation in politics and leadership positions. Ms. Regner’s visit comes at a time when the country is preparing for the 2023 elections and women are grossly underrepresented in politics and decision-making positions.
Another highlight of the mission is the visit to the vocational and heritage centre in Todee, Montserrado County that was constructed by UN Women under the European Union, United Nations and Government of Liberia Spotlight Initiative. The centre will serve as a dedicated learning centre for traditional practitioners and young women and girls to learn new skills to enable them to get an alternative source of income to replace female genital mutilation (FGM).
Ms. Regner will get the opportunity to meet and interact with traditional practitioners who formerly practiced FGM but are now beneficiaries of the alternative economic livelihood program, and see first-hand integrated approaches being used to prevent violence against women and girls and the women’s economic empowerment initiatives being implemented.
She will also visit the Fish market women’s Peace Hut, a centre for conflict prevention, resolution and peace building.
At the end of the visit, Ms. Regner will hold a press briefing with media practitioners in Liberia.
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. The entity works to position gender equality as fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals, and a more inclusive world.
For More information please contact: -
Gloriah Ganyani
UN Women Liberia Communications Specialist
E-mail: gloria.ganyani@unwomen.org
Tel: 0776866201
Or
John Monibah
UN Women Liberia Communications Officer
E-mail: john.monibah@unwomen.org
Tel: 0776737521
#ENDS#
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Press Release
14 June 2022
Joint Statement by International Partners on the Electoral Process in Liberia
The International Community in Liberia commends political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders for exercising patience and remaining calm as they awaited judicial review of the Lofa situation. We encourage outstanding grievances to be similarly addressed through established legal frameworks in a peaceful and transparent manner.
Liberia has a positive track record of mainly peaceful elections. We therefore urge all parties to reject the use of violence and avoid making statements that could further increase tensions in the upcoming Lofa County senatorial by-election. We underscore the need to ensure accountability for any violations that may occur during the electoral period.
The International Community in Liberia voices grave concern about worrying possible misuse of youth for partisan politics. This has the potential to escalate into violence. It is imperative therefore that the youth play a peaceful and constructive role in the electoral process and not feed a climate of fear.
The International Community in Liberia reaffirms the importance of women’s participation in elections, where there is a proud tradition in Liberia. We take note of the Liberian Government’s Page 2 of 2 2 stated commitment to increase women’s political participation through an enforceable 30 percent gender quota and call on the Government and all political parties to make good on this commitment.
In this regard, we stress the need for timely passage of the amended New Elections Law (1986) to ensure near equal representation of men and women in the legislature. We are encouraged by the positive steps undertaken by the Liberty Party, the Alternative National Congress, and most recently, the Congress for Democratic Change, to instigate electoral gender quotas and we would keenly urge others to also enforce the implementation of quotas.
The International Community in Liberia reaffirms its support to the people and Government of Liberia in their endeavours for a peaceful and prosperous country.
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