5 Mins Read
ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: A coalition of more than 20 civil society organizations, led by ActionAid Liberia, has presented the Monrovia Climate Declaration to the House of Representatives through the Committee on Claims and Petitions, chaired by Montserrado District #8 Lawmaker, Representative Prince Toles, urging lawmakers to champion debt justice and climate justice for Liberia.
By Benjamin Q. Johnson
The petition follows the launch of the National Debt and Climate Audit Report on Liberia, which highlights the country’s growing public debt,estimated at US$2.84 billion,and examines its impact on national development and climate resilience.
Presenting the declaration, National Civil Society Council of Liberia Chairperson Lawrence Yealue emphasized that the petition was not a protest but a democratic call to action on behalf of citizens across the country.
“We have come here today not to protest, but to present a petition that represents the collective voice of civil society organizations and citizens of Liberia,” Yealue said. “This declaration is backed by research conducted by ActionAid Liberia and reflects our shared concern over Liberia’s growing debt burden and the urgent need for debt justice and climate justice.”
Yealue noted that while Liberia continues to meet its debt obligations, the country’s increasing debt burden limits the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, roads, and other essential public services.
He argued that although Liberia contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, it continues to suffer disproportionately from the devastating effects of climate change, including coastal erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges.
“The countries of the Global North have historically contributed the most to climate change,” he said. “As they continue to ask countries like Liberia to preserve our forests and protect the environment, they must also take responsibility by providing debt relief and increased climate financing. We are not the cause of this crisis, yet we are paying the highest price.”
Yealue called on the Liberian Legislature to play an active role in advocating for debt cancellation and climate justice, while assuring lawmakers that civil society organizations would continue their advocacy on the international stage, including at the upcoming COP31 Climate Conference.
“This is a call to action,” he stressed. “Together with ActionAid Liberia and citizens across the country, we are asking our lawmakers to stand with us as we push for fair debt policies, debt relief, and meaningful climate justice.”
The petition forms part of the ongoing National Climate Debt Campaign, launched under the theme, “Who Owes Who? Join the Campaign and Have Your Say.” The campaign calls on the Liberian Government and the international community to reduce debt-servicing obligations and redirect resources toward climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as national development priorities such as education, healthcare, roads, and infrastructure.
The Monrovia Climate Declaration is the result of findings from the National Debt and Climate Audit Report, a research initiative conducted by ActionAid Liberia examining Liberia’s public debt and its implications for climate justice and sustainable development.
Before the declaration was presented to the Legislature, heads of more than 20 civil society organizations, led by National Civil Society Council of Liberia Chairperson Lawrence Yealue, formally signed the document as a demonstration of their collective commitment to its recommendations and objectives.
The declaration represents a united effort by Liberian civil society organizations to ensure that the country’s voice is heard both nationally and internationally in the pursuit of debt justice, climate justice, and a more equitable and climate-resilient future.
Speaking during the launch of the National Debt and Climate Audit Report, held under the theme “Who Owes Who? Liberia’s Debt, Climate Crisis and the Path to Justice” at Corina Hotel on Tubman Boulevard in Monrovia, Markonee Knightley, Women’s Rights Manager at ActionAid Liberia, praised government ministries and agencies for their active participation and contributions to the research process.
Knightley also commended the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, under the leadership of Chairperson Lawrence Yealue, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), and other civil society organizations for their valuable contributions to discussions on debt justice and climate justice.
She further acknowledged the support and participation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Mines and Energy, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and international partners for their technical input and collaboration throughout the audit process.
The launch concluded with renewed calls for stronger national and international action to address Liberia’s debt burden, expand climate financing, and ensure that countries most responsible for global emissions provide meaningful support to climate-vulnerable nations such as Liberia.
Comments are closed.