United Nations in Liberia

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

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29 November 2022

Gender training “suddenly” propels officer higher up police ranks

In September 2019, I was informed via a human resource bulletin of the Liberia National Police that I was fortunate to have been selected among 29 other women police officers to attend a two-day training on gender equity in Montserrado County, home to the country’s capital city – Monrovia. As a woman police officer serving at the national headquarters, I have experienced significant levels of discrimination from fellow male officers during my career. This is because when women initially joined the police, it was primarily as secretaries or performing administrative duties. When they began being recruited as police officers, as part of a campaign to recruit more women into the Liberia National Police (LNP), most of them were school dropouts. As a result of this, police women were generally looked down upon; it was rare to find a policewoman with a university degree. This, coupled with traditional perceptions that policing is combative, and therefore better suited for men, resulted in most promotions and other strategic assignments being usually given to men. Despite the shifting dynamics around the world, our senior supervisors are, to some extent, still stereotypically treating women officers. The level of gender disparity within the police force is therefore still very high. After I attended the gender equity training, my career progression dramatically changed in more ways than I would ever have imagined. The training, facilitated by the Emancipation Movement of Liberia, Inc. (EMOL) and with support from UNDP, was unlike any other police trainings I had ever attended before. In my career as an officer, it was the first time I attended a gathering about policing in Liberia where women out-numbered the men; out of 50 participants, 29 were women, who actively participated in the sessions. The training also broke hierarchical protocols. Both senior and junior officers were seated side by side to learn and acquire knowledge on how to address gender disparities within the police force. The training brought officers of all cadres together, men and women, creating opportunities for all of us to interact and discuss the various topics, freely sharing their views. Of all the women who took part in the training, I was the most junior. Many of my seniors did not even know I had a university degree and did not know what I was capable of until I sat down and interacted with them during the training. I was able to demonstrate that I am a highly skilled in investigator, especially in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Having previously experienced the impact of gender bias at work, I was grateful to be part of an activity that enabled us to blend and learn despite our ranks or gender. As I sat and learned side-by-side with my senior officers, who have significant authority, I felt empowered not only by the knowledge acquired, but also by the role I played as the training was delivered. My supervisor was among the senior officers in attendance; he committed to refrain from all forms of gender-based discrimination, and promised to be gender sensitive when making decisions that impact those he supervises. After the training, I suddenly got promoted from the third in command to the second in command in the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberia National Police, with added leadership responsibility. In my new role, I am now the first point of reference on matters relating to domestic violence, before they can be escalated to the Head of Section for further direction. The training served as an eye opener and has increased my knowledge and confidence such that today I can boldly and courageously stand up to take any task that my male counterparts are assigned. Before the training, most of us used to be in the dark; we did not know what to do with the overwhelming cases of rape and other forms of SGBV in the country. Thanks to the training we are no longer where we used to be. Now every officer assigned to our section must be trained on gender. We have also been raising awareness on SGBV such that we are seeing cases reducing even though the war is far from being won. Today, each SGBV case is investigated by one police woman and one policeman to enable victims open up and confide in whomever they are comfortable with. We are also trying to protect the privacy of victims by interviewing them in privacy, even though we are limited by space. If there is no free room, we have to ask colleagues we share offices with to leave for a while in discussion with victim. We have also learnt to interrogate people involved in domestic violence separately, rather than putting the victim and the perpetrator together. All-in-all, the police are taking gender issues very seriously, with support from most of our male counterparts, who have signed up for the He4She campaign. The UN Communications Group will be showcasing a number of stories focused on the fight against SGBV during this year's 16 days of activism.

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Sgt. Patience Dorsla, Liberia National Police

Story

30 November 2022

United Nations thanks Liberia for its contribution to peacekeeping

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix thanked Liberia for its strong support to United Nations Peacekeeping and for the service and sacrifice of its military and police personnel deployed under the UN flag. Liberia first provided peacekeepers to the United Nations in the early 1960s when it joined the UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC).    Today, Liberia provides 172 uniformed personnel, including 19 women, to UN Peacekeeping making it the 60th largest contributor among all UN Member States.   This contribution includes troops, military staff officers, individual police officers and experts on mission. Liberia’s largest deployment is with the United Nations Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), where 162 of its peacekeepers serve. Working in very challenging security conditions, the peacekeepers carry out patrols to assess the security situation, deter violence against local communities, and also provide security to UN facilities. In addition, Liberia contributes personnel to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). “Liberia is an example of the tangible impact that peacekeeping has on countries affected by conflict.   For several decades, it hosted peacekeeping operations in the wake of a civil war. Today, Liberia is a country at peace, thanks to the efforts of thousands of peacekeepers from around the world. Today, Liberia, in turn, deploys ‘Blue Helmets” to help other countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace”, according to Mr. Lacroix. “We deeply appreciate the service and sacrifice of all the Liberian men and women who have served with the UN. We will always remember the seven Liberian peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag; as well as the 34 Liberian civilian national staff who perished while working for the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL),” said Mr. Lacroix. Liberia also endorsed the Secretary-General’s ‘Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)’ initiative, which aims to strengthen peacekeeping through more targeted mandates, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces, and by mobilizing support for political solutions.

The UN's Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, runs the international multi-year communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping -- Service and Sacrifice.' The campaign expresses the world body's gratitude to the countries that contribute their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/service-and-sacrifice

Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Peacekeeping is a unique force with military and police from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages, but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping Media enquiries at UNHQ:

Department of Global Communications (New York):

Douglas Coffman                                      + 1 917 361 9923
coffmand@un.org        Department of Peace Operations Oana-Raluca Topala                  Topala@un.org

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Liberian soldiers on Peacekeeping Mission in Mali

Story

22 November 2022

Promoting women's rights and land ownership in Liberia

Typically, women in Liberia have difficulty retaining land in the event of divorce or after the death of their husbands. Competition over land-related issues is one of the root causes of conflict that often leads to tension and violence among communities in Liberia. Violent conflict around land ownership is often stoked by grievances related to land scarcity and historical injustices. To prevent and peacefully manage land-related conflicts, the Government of Liberia together with UN Women, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working to strengthen coordination on land governance initiatives, implement the land decentralization policy and support alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which provide quicker and more flexible responses to community conflicts. Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) this is a part of a $4 million project implemented over three years in 42 communities across four counties of Nimba, Cape Mount, Sinoe and Maryland. To promote a more inclusive approach to land ownership, the project focused on increasing women's understanding and knowledge of the 2018 Land Rights Act among the targeted communities. UN Women helped raised awareness of the laws related to land ownership while also specifically focusing on women’s land rights. As a result, more than 7,000 community members now have a better understanding of land rights and the process of resolving land conflict. Media campaigns on Land Rights Act also reached almost 100,000 people. “In the past, the old law did not include us women, but the new land rights law that was passed in September 2018 allows women and youth to be a part of land discussions,” said Patricia Dennis, a resident of Kaken-Gbolobo in Maryland County. After more than two years of continued engagement, the project contributed to a positive change in the mindsets of the communities about women’s rights to land and property ownership. Women also received training in resolving concession-related conflicts and increasingly assumed leadership roles in the community land development and management committees. The project ensured increased participation by women in all the dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms. In one particular case, women leaders, empowered by the training conducted through the project effectively advocated on behalf of Madam Tumu, a widow in Flumpa, Nimba county, for property ownership after her husband’s demise. As a result, Madam Tumu successfully regained her right to land ownership from her relatives. John Wah, chairman of the agricultural cooperative in Korsein Community, Nimba County said: “Thanks to the learning and support from this project, our community is more peaceful as we have a better understanding of our land rights and how to resolve disputes. We also understand that women too have land rights and should not be excluded.” Vivianne Suah, a resident of Yarsonoh Community in Nimba County said, “Through this project we started to understand women’s rights to land. It taught us that men and women and young people need to sit together and discuss land matters together. This is bringing more harmony to the community.” he project also supports the establishment of land development and management committees, which bring together local authorities, affected communities, civil society and, where relevant, concession companies, to discuss and resolve land-related issues. So far, ten such committees have been set up, enabling people to voice their needs and demand their land usage and ownership rights. The WFP team has been accompanying the concession-affected communities to enhance their livelihood by working with agricultural cooperatives and providing farming tools to support those most vulnerable to land loss. To date, around 450 community members, with priority given to women, have been trained on land use, and agricultural cooperatives, and provided with seeds and farming equipment. In addition, the UNDP team has helped to strengthen the capacity of land governance institutions at national and local levels including the Liberia Land Authority, to implement tasks effectively. UNDP has also been supporting the Land Authority, hand in hand with the local civil society, in their efforts to formalize customary land rights. Joshua Daindah, a resident of the Korsein community in Nimba County said, “With the knowledge [gained] from this project, we have established a community land committee through which we aim to resolve land conflicts in the community, especially family disputes, which we try to prevent from escalating to the formal courts.” Richard Voker, a land committee member of Yarsonoh Community in Nimba County said: “Some time ago I was seriously attacked by nearby community members due to a land dispute and still have scars. But awareness of land rights and dispute resolution from this project has helped me to move forward and find a way to resolve that conflict peacefully, rather than leading to more violence. We need more communities to benefit from this education and support.” People now feel more empowered to voice their grievances and negotiate with private concession companies operating on or near their lands. In Nimba country, Nimba Rubber Incorporated compensated communities affected by the rubber industry through educational and livelihood support. The Peacebuilding Fund has been supporting peacebuilding priorities in Liberia since 2007. The Fund helped to avoid a significant gap in the financial cliff following the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2018 by approving nearly $33 million between 2017-2021 to support women and youth empowerment, rule of law, transitional justice and human rights as well as land-related conflicts. Land governance continues to be a key priority of the Fund’s support in Liberia and has been included as one of three major priorities in the Fund’s Strategic Results Framework for Liberia 2022-2027. Written by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, edited by the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO).

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The Peacebuilding Fund has been supporting peacebuilding priorities in Liberia since 2007. “In the past, women never owned land here but today, women, men, and youth can sit together with the elders and decide issues on land ownership,” said Wleetibo Dennis, a resident of Maryland County, Liberi

Story

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.

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Story

27 January 2023

United Nations and Government Commit to Strengthening Coordination & Aid Management

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the United Nations Country Team held a one- day dialogue on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) to strengthen alignment, coherence, and coordination between the Government of Liberia and the United Nations. The meeting was chaired by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, led by Deputy Minister Augustus Flomo, and co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott. The UN Resident Coordinator urged participants to " have a frank and honest discussion on how the UN and Government can work together to deliver the best results for Liberia". For his part, Deputy Minister Flomo called for an in -depth Portfolio Review, which he proposed for mid-year 2023. He stated that this would enable a "deep dive" into the interventions of the UN programmes in Liberia and facilitate better coordination and management of aid. Key outcomes of this meeting were: increased coordination, reporting and collaboration between the UN and Government; prioritization of Programmes , particularly targets of SDGs and government national agenda and joint field visits by both government and the UN in Liberia.

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Story

12 January 2023

UN Resident Coordinator lauds youth as 'amazing individuals and heroes'- as Government marks first transition of rehabilitation for at risk youth

Thirty youth graduated the first phase of the detoxification and rehabilitation programme established by the government with support from the UN in Liberia and partners. The programme entailed receiving psyco-social and community re-entry support, as well as various training programs that would give them some basic skill-sets. Mr. Scott noted that the United Nations was proud to be a part of such an essential initiative in Liberia. He said, "Liberia has made significant gains toward sustaining peace over the last 15 years through two democratic transitions. However, the socio-economic impact of the war continues to impede peace-consolidation and social cohesion efforts". "Liberian youth need empowerment, skills, business capital, TVET to have a chance to contribute to the development of Liberia", Mr. Scott said. He further stated that Government and Partners are making effort to prevent the supply of drug in the country at the various port of entries but there are still a lot of challenges in term of strengthening deterrents. He stressed that the road ahead is long but that the UN is committed to this youth initiative and would continue to support youth programmes in Liberia. The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency George Manneh Weah, along with an array of Government officials were also present to mark the occasion. Speaking at the ceremony, the President thanked the graduates and extended heartfelt best wishes to them on their transition to a new and productive life. “Go forth from this program with your heads held up high, and make Liberia proud of you,” Dr. Weah said. He said as a Government, “we have made an initial contribution of US$1m to kick-start the Fund Drive, and we intend to provide an additional Two Million United States Dollars to be appropriated within this year’s budget to support this program.” Dr. Weah said the first batch of the graduation of 35 former “at-risk youths”, their transition after detoxification is a manifestation of the seriousness that he attaches to this program and a demonstration of his personal commitment to rehabilitate these young people, and fast-track their return to society as productive citizens. Funds are being raised under the Fund Drive, and other facilities are now being prepared to deal with the vast majority of these At-Risk youths, which some estimates suggest number more than 130,000,” President Weah said. He noted that the transition and transformation of the former “at-risk youth” is a significant first step because it is proof that “we can make a significant change in their lives and livelihoods if only we can combine political will with passion, and apply it with compassion”.

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A section of the graduates poses with President Weah & RC Niels Scott

Story

05 December 2022

The National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL) initiates move to stop the practice of FGM in Montserrado County

The National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL) has committed to close all bush schools and stop the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Montserrado County in January 2023. The Chairperson of NACCEL, Chief Zanzan Karwor made the commitment during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in Sonkay Town, Montserrado County on 25 November, 2022. Following the pronouncement, Chief Zanzan Karwor called on the Chief Zoe (traditional practitioner) Massa Kandakai and the Paramount Chief, Stephen Goba to ensure that all Zoes within the Montserrado County surrender all documents and practicing implements in preparation for the official traditional ceremony to abolish the practice of FGM in early January 2023. Once the order is given in January next year, anyone challenging his authority will face disciplinary action from the NACCEL. The Chief reiterated NACCEL’s commitment to ending FGM as evidenced by pronouncements of the three-year ban on FGM in the country. He also emphasized the importance of providing alternative economic livelihood programs for traditional practitioners in the 11 FGM practicing counties. During her keynote address, the Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor called on NACCEL’s Chief Zanzan Karwor to engage the legislature and the international community to ensure the speedy passage of the FGM bill into law. Liberia is one of only three countries in West Africa that has yet to outlaw the practice of FGM. The Vice President also presented a token to Chief Zanzan Karwor and requested him to visit all the Counties where FGM is still being practiced and ask traditional practitioners to stop the practice. This year’s 16 days campaign is being held under the global theme - “UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” and the national theme “With One Voice, Let's End Violence Against Women, Girls and Children." The campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, till December 10, Human Rights Day. The campaign launch event was attended by several dignitaries including, special guest, Jaha Dukureh, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa on ending FGM and child marriage who served as key launcher of 16 days campaign; Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr who welcomed guests, members of the Diplomatic Corp, Government officials, civil society and traditional leaders from various counties; and Ms. Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator who delivered a special message from UN Secretary General. The UN is supporting efforts of the Government of Liberia to eliminate gender-based violence through the Spotlight Initiative, a global programme that aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls including harmful practices such as FGM. The UN Communications Group will be showcasing a number of stories focused on the fight against SGBV during this year's 16 days of activism.

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Chief Zanzan Karwor, Chairperson of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (in the middle) with members of NACCEL and Queen Juli Endee (extreme right).

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01 December 2022

UN Women hands over Heritage Centre in Montserrado County to Government of Liberia as - Goodwill Ambassador pledges to attract partnership support for construction of seven more centres

UN Women has handed over a Vocational and Heritage Centre in Sonkay Town, Montserrado County to the Government of Liberia and the National Council of Chiefs and Elders (NACCEL). The center will serve as a hub to provide alternative economic livelihoods support to former practitioners of female genital mutilation (FGM) and promote the socio-cultural heritage of traditional communities, including alternative rites of passage which excludes FGM. The handover ceremony was held during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which spans the period, 25 November to 10 December 2022. The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Williametta Saydee-Tarr hosted the launch event. The Vocational and Heritage centre in Montserrado County is one of four centres constructed by UN Women under the European Union and United Nations Spotlight Initiative. Other centres have been constructed in Grand Cape Mount, Nimba and Lofa Counties. Jaha Dukureh, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa on ending FGM and child marriage, who also served as the launcher of the 16 Days campaign, pledged to help mobilise partnership support towards the construction of similar centres in the remaining seven FGM-practicing counties, to ensure that women are economically empowered, and Liberia is free from all forms of violence against women and girls. 11 out of 15 Counties in Liberia practice FGM. Ms. Dukureh, pleaded with the traditional leaders to support the initiative to eliminate FGM in Liberia because it is harmful to women and girls. “It is important to make sure that these practices are taken away from here and not because someone is giving us something. We have to do it because we believe it is wrong,” says the Goodwill Ambassador. “We ask you to stand with us and understand that we are not against our tradition. We are not against our culture. The only thing that we want is, let’s continue the initiation without mutilation of girls. When we do that, we can be a model for the rest of the world,” she said. In her keynote address, the Vice President, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor called on NACCEL’s Chief Zanzan Karwor to intervene and engage the legislature as well as the international community to ensure the speedy passage of the FGM bill into law. Liberia is one of the three countries in the region that do not have a law to criminalise FGM. She also requested Chief Zanzan Karwor to visit all the Counties where FGM is still being practiced and ask traditional practitioners to stop the practice. UN Women Country Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, delivered a special message from UN Secretary General, who called on governments to increase funding by 50 percent to women’s rights organizations and movements by 2026. This year’s 16 Days campaign was launched under the global theme, “UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” and the national theme “With One Voice, Let's End Violence Against Women, Girls and Children." The event was attended by several dignitaries including the EU Ambassador, Laurent Delahousse, Government officials, civil society and traditional leaders from various Counties, among others. The UN is supporting efforts of the Government of Liberia to eliminate gender-based violence through the Spotlight Initiative, a global programme that aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls including harmful practices such as FGM. The UN Communications Group will be showcasing a number of stories focused on the fight against SGBV during this year's 16 days of activism.

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Ribbon Cutting at opening of heritage center

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28 November 2022

One UN participate in Solidarity Walk against Gender based Violence

The Walk, which was organized by the UN in Liberia and the Government of Liberia through the Ministry Gender, Children and Social Protection, started 7:30am at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town and ended at the Invincible Sports Park near Airfield, Sinkor. The walk brought together the One UN in Liberia, Liberian Government Officials, Ambassadors, Peace Hut women, the private sector as well as civil society organizations and ordinary Liberians. “This solidarity walk to end violence against women is a real opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to help the Government of Liberia to end GBV,” says Madam Comfort Lamptey, Resident Coordinator a.i. and UN Women Country Representative. Resident Coordinator a.i , speaking at the event, noted that SGBV is a reality that women in Liberia are facing daily. She noted that this situation is not only a human right violation but comes at a development cost. She extended appreciation to the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Jaha Dukureh for her participation in the walk and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madame Wilhemina Piso-Tarr. For her part, the Minister expressed the hope to see an acceleration in the fight against SGBV, especially with the involvement of the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Jaha Dukureh. She further urged participants to carry the message of the fight against SGBV and continue raising awareness of the fight. This year’s 16 days campaign is being held under the global theme - “UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” and the national theme is, “With One Voice, Let's End Violence Against Women, Girls and Children."

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Participants at 16 days of Activism Solidarity Walk held on November 26, 2022

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Press Release

01 December 2022

NACCEL initiates move to stop the practice of FGM in Montserrado County

The National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL) has committed to close all bush schools and stop the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Montserrado County in January 2023. The Chairperson of NACCEL, Chief Zanzan Karwor made the commitment during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in Sonkay Town, Montserrado County on 25 November, 2022. Following the pronouncement, Chief Zanzan Karwor called on the Chief Zoe (traditional practitioner) Massa Kandakai and the Paramount Chief, Stephen Goba to ensure that all Zoes within the Montserrado County surrender all documents and practicing implements in preparation for the official traditional ceremony to abolish the practice of FGM in early January, 2023. Once the order is given in January next year, anyone challenging his authority will face disciplinary action from the NACCEL. The Chief reiterated NACCEL’s commitment to ending FGM as evidenced by pronouncements of the three-year ban on FGM in the country. He also emphasized the importance of providing alternative economic livelihood programs for traditional practitioners in the 11 FGM practicing counties. During her keynote address, the Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor called on NACCEL’s Chief Zanzan Karwor to engage the legislature and the international community to ensure the speedy passage of the FGM bill into law. Liberia is one of only three countries in West Africa that has yet to outlaw the practice of FGM. The Vice President also presented a token to Chief Zanzan Karwor and requested him to visit all the Counties where FGM is still being practiced and ask traditional practitioners to stop the practice. This year’s 16 days campaign is being held under the global theme - “UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls” and the national theme “With One Voice, Let's End Violence Against Women, Girls and Children." The campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, till December 10, Human Rights Day. The campaign launch event was attended by several dignitaries including, special guest, Jaha Dukureh, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa on ending FGM and child marriage who served as key launcher of 16 days campaign; Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr who welcomed guests, members of the Diplomatic Corp, Government officials, civil society and traditional leaders from various counties; and Ms. Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator who delivered a special message from UN Secretary General. The UN is supporting efforts of the Government of Liberia to eliminate gender-based violence through the Spotlight Initiative, a global programme that aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls including harmful practices such as FGM. 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

19 November 2022

United Nations Peacebuilding Commission Press Statement on Liberia

1. On 14 November 2022, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) convened a meeting on Liberia, chaired by the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations, with the participation of the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Liberia, the co-Chair of the National Elections Commission (NEC), a civil society representative from Liberia, as well as senior UN officials, including the Resident Coordinator in Liberia and the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support. 2. The meeting focused on preparations for Liberia’s upcoming legislative and presidential elections in October 2023. The Government of Liberia provided an update on the electoral process and the Chair of the NEC briefed the Commission on the organization of the upcoming elections and suggested areas of continued cooperation and support from the PBC, the region and international partners. 3. The Commission commended Liberia on the remarkable progress the country had made in the last two decades and indicated that 2023 elections represent a crucial milestone in Liberia’s consolidation of democracy, peace, reconciliation, and national development. The Commission underscored the importance of ensuring peaceful, free, fair, transparent, credible, and inclusive elections and noted that inclusive dialogue between and among political parties, and adherence to a joint Code of Conduct and declaration of non-violence, would be key to ensuring peaceful elections. The Commission also underlined the importance of ensuring women's political participation and candidatures in the 2023 elections and encouraged the adoption of the revised New Elections bill including provisions on a 30 per cent gender quota for senior political party leadership and candidate listings in elections, as well as the implementation of the Protocol on Violence Against Women in Elections and Politics (VAWiE). 4. The Commission noted that they would continue to follow the implementation of the Census and developments related to the procurement of a biometric voter registration system, as well as other issues essential to the electoral preparatory process and to the holding of free, peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and credible elections in October 2023. They highlighted that the successful implementation of the electoral process would be instrumental to consolidating peace gains and the promotion of socio-economic development in Liberia. 5. The Commission undertook to continue supporting the Liberian stakeholders with their electoral preparatory process.

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Press Release

15 November 2022

UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa intensifies efforts to eliminate FGM in Liberia

Monrovia, 15 November 2022 - UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa on female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, Jaha Dukureh, will visit Liberia from 19 to 27 November 2022 to add support to the country’s efforts to eliminate FGM, a harmful practice against women and girls. Ms. Dukureh hails from the Gambia and is herself a survivor of both FGM and child marriage. In February 2018, she was appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa to support regional and global advocacy efforts to end FGM and child marriage. Alongside women’s organizations and civil society, she contributed to the Gambian Government’s ban on FGM in 2015 after youth mobilization and campaigning in the country. She also contributed to an investigation on FGM in the USA by former President Obama’s administration, and the subsequent Summit to End FGM at the United States Institute of Peace. Ms. Dukureh’s visit will coincide with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign which will be observed from 25 November to 10 December under the global theme, ‘Unite, Activism to end violence against women and girls” and national theme, ‘With one voice, let us unite to end violence against women, girls and children.’ “The visit follows Liberia’s sign up to the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Gender Based Violence in 2021 and is intended to support Liberia’s efforts towards the eradication of FGM through multi-stakeholder engagements and high-level advocacy and social mobilization,” says Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative. Major highlights of Ms. Dukureh’s visit include; a public screening of ‘Jaha’s Promise’, a documentary film about the life and advocacy efforts of Jaha Dukureh; engagements with various stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders; a solidarity walk to end gender based violence in Liberia; the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based violence as well as the launch of a Vocational and Heritage centre in Sonkay Town, Liberia. The Sonkay Town Heritage centre is one of four vocational and heritage centres established by UN Women under the framework of the European Union and United Nations Spotlight Initiative. The four centers are expected to provide alternative economic livelihood programs to former traditional practitioners of FGM in Liberia. Ms. Dukureh is expected to engage with various change makers including government officials, diplomatic community, traditional leaders, civil society, women’s organisations and the media. She will also reinforce public knowledge and increase education on the depth, scale and devastating consequences of FGM. In February 2022, the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia in collaboration with the Government of Liberia proclaimed a three-year ban on the practice of FGM from 2022 to 2025. Nonetheless, Liberia remains one of the three West African countries that do not have a law criminalizing FGM despite having signed and ratified regional and international human rights instruments condemning the practice as a human rights violation, including the Maputo Protocol that seeks to outlaw FGM. UN Women is supporting efforts of the Government of Liberia to eliminate gender-based violence through the Spotlight Initiative, a global programme that aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls including harmful practices such as FGM. 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 November 2022

Liberia: Put people before profit and ensure responsible business environment, UN experts urge

MONROVIA/GENEVA (11 November 2022) – The Government of Liberia and businesses operating in the country must urgently implement measures to ensure the quest for economic development does not continue to undermine human rights, says a group of UN experts. “The present climate of irresponsible business practices provides profit for companies but does little for people. A sustainable and stable peace calls for accountability, transparency, equality, social cohesion, the rule of law, and respect of human rights for all,” said the experts from the Working Group on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises. The experts welcomed the Government’s commitment to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and praised the development of a national action plan on business and human rights. However, they were alarmed at the absence of State oversight in various parts of the country. “Facilitating foreign investment has superseded the implementation of responsible business practices,” said Working Group Chair Fernanda Hopenhaym, presenting a statement at the end of a 10-day visit. Basic infrastructure and services were lacking, especially outside Monrovia. “The general neglect of local communities in development planning is unacceptable,” she said. The Government needs to ensure domestic and foreign business enterprises demonstrate much greater respect for human rights, Hopenhaym said. “A critical element is transparency and meaningful participation of affected communities in decisions regarding business activity,” she said. The experts met representatives of Government, businesses, workers unions, civil society organisations and local communities to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced in implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Legal reforms, such as the Land Rights Act of 2018 and the Decent Work Act of 2015, were welcomed but implementation was weak. “The experience of Liberia shows the urgent need for a smart mix of policies, incentives and regulations to implement laws and promote a business culture that respects human rights,” said Damilola Olawuyi, the other member of the Working Group on the visit. Human rights defenders, trade union members and community members were vulnerable to attacks and intimidation for speaking out against business-related human rights abuses and the Government needed to act. “People who are seeking to hold businesses accountable need to be respected, taken seriously, and offered effective grievance mechanisms to have their cases heard and remediated,” Hopenhaym said. Among their initial findings, the experts reflected on the very limited employment opportunities, the significant hold that a small number of large multinational corporations have on the economy, the poor labour conditions across different sectors and concessions, and the multiple forms of systematic harassment, abuse and violence that they heard are faced by women and girls. “Liberia should ensure that all government institutions dealing with business, and the Judiciary, together with the Independent National Commission on Human Rights have the necessary resources and training to provide effective oversight of corporate behaviour, and corporate accountability,” said the experts. During their visit, the Working Group experts had meetings in Monrovia, and in Nimba County, Bong County and Bomi County. The experts’ final report, including its findings and key recommendations, will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2023. ENDS The Working Group on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises was established by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011. Its current members are: Ms. Fernanda Hopenhaym (Chairperson), Ms. Pichamon Yeophantong (Vice-Chairperson), Mr. Damilola Olawuyi, Mr. Robert McCorquodale, and Ms. Elżbieta Karska. The Working Group is part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent human rights monitoring mechanisms. The Working Group reports to the Human Rights Council and to the UN General Assembly. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. The experts are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, unanimously endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011 (resolution 17/4), provide the authoritative global standard for action to safeguard human rights in a business context, clarifying what is expected by governments and companies to prevent and address impacts on human rights arising from business activity. UN Human Rights, country page – Liberia For additional information and media requests please contact the Working Group Secretariat: In Liberia (during the dates of the visit): tel. +41 76 691 1639; email natasha.andrews@un.org and federica.morvay@un.org CC: hrc-wg-business@un.org In Geneva: +41 22 917 929, email natasha.andrews@un.org and federica.morvay@un.org CC: hrc-wg-business@un.org For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts please contact Renato de Souza (renato.rosariodesouza@un.org) and Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.

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