In Liberia, a country still healing from the scars of a protracted civil war, the concept of resilience holds profound significance. Youth Alive Liberia is working with Actionaid Liberia and Liberian Women Empowerment Network (LIWEN) under the EU Project to explore the importance of strengthening resilience among key population groups and human rights defenders in Liberia, highlighting the vital role they play in building a more inclusive and just society.
Resilience is a fundamental aspect of human existence, allowing individuals and communities to withstand adversity and emerge stronger
This project is to protect and empower the vulnerable groups including PLHIV and sex workers in Liberia to live lives free of discrimination, violence and stigmatization, protecting and empowering individuals. It directly addresses the specific objective, with its focus on enhancing protection mechanisms and strengthening the resilience of key population groups and their Human Rights Defenders (HRD) who are particularly vulnerable to harassment, violent physical attacks and discriminatory language due to their sexual orientation, culture and traditions.
Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable groups and human rights defenders in Liberia is essential for creating a more inclusive and just society
The project focuses on community work in 4 counties (Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bong and Montserrado) and advocacy and policy work at national level. Lead agency ActionAid (AA) and its two co-applicants Youth Alive Liberia (YAL) and Liberia Women Empowerment Network (LIWEN) will combine their expertise and experience to implement a 24-month (Feb 1, 2023 till Jan 31, 2025) project of measures that fulfill the key priorities of the call. They will work closely with and provide organizational support to the LIPRIDE coalition (the Liberia Initiative for the Promotion of Rights, Identity, Diversity and Equality) and all its 17 affiliates.
One of the major activities was training of local authorities. The activity mobilized 40 local Institutional, Traditional and Religious leadership structures that continue to support project intervention around human rights related issues in Bong County. These structures received capacity building around security and advocacy as it relates to Human Rights Based Approach so as to engage their own structures in Bong. These local authorities included: County Education team, Superintendent officers, Traditional leaders, Justice (both court and prosecution officers), Liberia National Police (both Gender and patrol officers), County health team, Religious leaders (Muslims and Christians), and Disable community attended the training.
The Training was held for Local authorities to increase their knowledge on the project and skills on gender responsive service provision as well as strengthen collaboration efforts with state service providers especially police for the safety and protection of key populations and Human Rights Defenders. This will enable them have greater understanding of human rights, constitutional rights and how to apply them in their work.
Strengthening the resilience of key population groups and human rights defenders in Liberia is essential for creating a more inclusive and just society. It requires concerted efforts from governments, civil society, and the international community. By addressing the challenges they face and providing the necessary support, Liberia can move closer to achieving its goals of equality, justice, and respect for human rights.