ADNews-Monrovia: The European Union in Liberia (EU) has long been an inspiration of hope, championing the ideals of human rights, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide. In Liberia, this continuous commitment shines through the substantial support provided to local organizations dedicated to advocating for human rights. A recent initiative by ActionAid Liberia (AAL) beautifully summarizes this partnership, as they generously donated essential office equipment to the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR). This report highlights the significance of this donation, its objectives, and its broader implications for the human rights landscape in Liberia.
On December 13, 2024, ActionAid Liberia, with the financial backing of the EU, delivered vital office equipment and furniture to the INCHR. This donation, valued at USD 4,000, included three desktop computers, three filing cabinets, three office chairs, and three office desks. The aim is clear: to empower the INCHR with the infrastructure necessary to conduct impartial hearings, manage case documentation, and provide a secure environment for those seeking justice. This initiative is a evidence to the dedication of the EU and AAL in strengthening human rights mechanisms in Liberia, enabling the INCHR to fulfill its crucial mandate effectively.
The provision of this essential equipment significantly enhances the operational capacity of the INCHR. With new desktops, staff can efficiently handle administrative tasks, conduct critical research, and prepare reports vital to their mission. The addition of organized workspaces, facilitated by filing cabinets and desks, promotes a professional environment that fosters productivity, allowing the INCHR to concentrate on its advocacy for human rights.
This donation further symbolizes the collaborative spirit between international organizations and local institutions. By supporting the INCHR, ActionAid and the EU highlight the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development and human rights goals. The collaboration fosters a sense of ownership among local actors, encouraging active participation in the monitoring and protection of human rights.
Visible support from the EU, articulated through ActionAid, aimed to strengthen public trust in institutions like the INCHR. When citizens witness tangible investments in these organizations, it improves their perception of the INCHR as a legitimate entity capable of addressing human rights violations. Building this trust is crucial for nurturing community engagement and encouraging individuals to report abuses or seek assistance.
This donation aligns well with the EU’s broader objectives of promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. By supporting local institutions in Liberia, the EU reaffirms its commitment to these values, demonstrating that it is not merely a donor but a genuine partner in the developmental journey of nations. This alignment is essential for sustaining long-term engagement and promoting a culture of respect for human rights in Liberia.
Furthermore, the donation is part of a broader initiative titled “Strengthening Key Population Groups and Human Rights Defenders.” The project seeks to protect and empower vulnerable groups in Liberia, including individuals of diverse sexualities, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and sex workers. It actively addresses discrimination, violence, and stigmatization while enhancing protection mechanisms for these groups.
Focused on community engagement in four counties—Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bong, and Montserrado—the project advocates for policy change at the national level. AAL, alongside co-applicants Youth Alive Liberia (YAL) and the Liberia Women Empowerment Network (LIWEN), leverages their combined expertise to implement this two-year project in partnership with the Liberia Initiative for the Promotion of Rights, Identity, Diversity, and Equality (LIPRIDE) coalition and its 17 affiliates.
During the handover ceremony, Marie Paule Neuville, Program Officer at the EU Delegation to Liberia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to human rights in Liberia. She emphasized, “This handover is not only about providing material support but also about reinforcing the long-term goals we share for human rights and good governance in Liberia. We are proud to stand alongside the Independent National Commission on Human Rights in these efforts.”
Marie emphasized that human rights are integral to our daily lives, shaping the structures and communities in which we coexist. She highlighted that building a better, more inclusive society requires the full participation of everyone—media, local communities, and the International Commission of Human Rights, all of whom are essential actors in this vital framework.
Dalitso Kuphanga, program and policy manager at ActionAid Liberia, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the initiative: “This support is not just about providing material resources; it is also about empowering those who will use these tools to make a difference in people’s lives. We are confident that the equipment will be put to good use, helping to improve the effectiveness of the Commission in its mission.”
Cllr. Charles Harris, Vice Chair of the INCHR, reiterated the importance of such partnerships in advancing human rights in Liberia. He assured the donors that the equipment would be used for its intended purpose, expressing confidence that it would significantly enhance their operations, particularly by improving the efficiency of their Hearing Office.
The recent donation by ActionAid Liberia, backed by the European Union, marks a significant step forward in strengthening human rights advocacy in the country by enhancing the operational
Contributor Khulekani Sibindi
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