2023-05-11
Liberia: On "the importance of promoting human rights, good governance, and sustainable development"
Forus sat down with IDAY Liberia Coalition Inc President Ebenezer Thomas to talk about civic space challenges and about the role of civil society in keeping the what the organization is doing to ensure that the Liberian government takes the people’s rights into account at all times.
IDAY Liberia
The Liberian coalition of non-governmental organizations, IDAY Liberia Coalition Inc, in existence since 2019, is part of the IDAY International created in 2008 which brings together civil society organizations from 20 countries on the African continent.
Could you please start of by presenting your platform, IDAY Liberia to our readers? What is it about and what exactly do you do?
IDAY Liberia Coalition Inc. is a non-governmental organization that works to promote children's rights and education in Liberia. The organization is part of the wider IDAY network, which is active in more than 20 African countries. IDAY Liberia works with local partners to implement programs that aim to improve access to quality education, particularly for girls and marginalized children. The organization also advocates for policies and practices that support children's rights and education.
Some of the specific activities that IDAY Liberia has undertaken include providing school materials and scholarships to disadvantaged children, conducting training programs on female genital mutilation (FGM), nonviolent communication and restorative circles with public defenders, Bureau of Correction officers as well as The National Association of Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (NATPAH) and advocating for increased funding for education as well as education for minors in Liberia prison. The organization also engages with government officials and international stakeholders like the United Nations, EU delegation, USAID, Franch Embassy, Swiss Embassy to seek partnerships and to promote policies that support children's rights. Overall, IDAY Liberia's goal is to contribute to the development of a more equitable and inclusive society in Liberia by ensuring that all children have access to quality education and can realize their full potential.
What is the current state of affairs as far as civic space is concerned in Liberia?
In recent years, there have been concerns about shrinking civic space in Liberia. In particular, there have been reports of restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, as well as harassment and intimidation of civil society activists and journalists. However, it is worth noting that there have also been positive developments, such as the passage of a freedom of information law in 2010 and the establishment of a national human rights commission in 2018.
How supportive is your government of your activities?
Regarding this point, it is concerning to hear that the Liberian government has refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coalition deal to end female genital mutilation (FGM) on the grounds that it is protected by organic law. It is important to note that FGM is a harmful practice that violates the rights of women and girls, and efforts to end it should be supported by all stakeholders, including governments.
What large impact activity have you carried out recently and what results did that yield as far as civic space and human rights are concerned?
IDAY Liberia's focus on promoting children's rights and education is an important contribution to the development of a more equitable and inclusive society in Liberia. By ensuring that all children have access to quality education, particularly girls and marginalized children, IDAY Liberia is helping to empower future generations and promote human rights and social justice.
As for the current state of affairs regarding civic space in Liberia, as I mentioned earlier, there have been concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, as well as harassment and intimidation of civil society activists and journalists. However, there have also been some positive developments, such as the passage of a freedom of information law and the establishment of a national human rights commission. It is important for the government to continue to uphold the rights and freedoms of its citizens and create an enabling environment for civil society to operate effectively.
What makes the Liberian, and eventually African context different according to you as far as these rights/civic space are concerned?
One of the unique factors in the African context is the legacy of colonialism and its impact on the development of institutions and governance structures. Many African countries, including Liberia, have had to navigate the challenges of building democratic institutions and ensuring respect for human rights in the wake of colonialism. Additionally, there are often cultural and traditional practices that can pose challenges to the promotion of human rights, such as the case of female genital mutilation in Liberia.
How is your coalition working to promote sustainable development in your country?
IDAY Liberia Coalition Inc is working to promote sustainable development in Liberia by focusing on improving access to quality education, particularly for girls and marginalized children. The organization works with local partners to implement programs that aim to improve education outcomes and advocate for policies that support children's rights and education.
IDAY Liberia Coalition Inc conducts training programs, provides school materials and scholarships to disadvantaged children, and engages with government officials and other stakeholders to promote policies that support education. By ensuring that all children have access to quality education, IDAY Liberia Coalition Inc is helping to promote sustainable development in Liberia.
Any final words for our readers out there?
I would like to emphasize the importance of promoting human rights, good governance, and sustainable development in Liberia and throughout Africa. These are essential components of building a more just and equitable society and it is crucial for governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to work together towards these goals.
EN - On civic space and human rights with the IDAY Liberia Coalition