Liberia
NGOWG MAP Recommendations | NGO Resources
NGOWG MAP Recommendations
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for April 2012
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for April 2012, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Liberia:
In its discussion of the forthcoming Secretary-General’s report on the UN mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Council should ensure the report provides information on progress in sensitizing and developing the capacity of Liberian institutions (including governmental branches, the army, and police) with regard to issues of gender, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse. The report should also include UNMIL’s assessment of its own initiatives to sensitize and develop the capacity of its personnel, including peacekeepers and UNMIL office staff, on these issues. The report should include the current status of human rights in Liberia, including weaknesses of rule of law institutions, economic insecurity, and the continuing limited access to social services, particularly for women. Finally, the report should address progress and challenges in ensuring that the Liberian National Police Gender Unit receives ongoing adequate gender training, and logistical and equipment support. Council members should review the document for information on education and vocational training for women and girls associated with fighting forces in reintegration efforts; full access to post-conflict relief and recovery programs for survivors of gender-based violence; and the prioritizing of women’s participation in all post-conflict recovery programs, especially their representation in the constitution-drafting process, and in the electoral system, the police, and the judiciary. Special attention should be paid to guaranteeing the participation of women associated with fighting forces in the electoral process.
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Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for September 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for September 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Liberia:
The Security Council will be discussing renewal of the UNMIL mandate (SCR 1938), which expires on 30 September 2011. Particular emphasis should be placed on the upcoming elections in October 2011, and the country‟s high levels of sexual violence. While the government of Liberia has taken a lead in the region to promote women‟s rights through new legislation and policy frameworks supporting the implementation of Women, Peace and Security resolutions, the representation of women in elected office remains low. There are concerns about electoral violence, and whether the country‟s social reconciliation has been sufficiently prioritized, given lingering social divisions. The UNMIL mandate should call for targeted technical support for women for improved campaigning and lobbying skills, including through partnerships with civil society. The mandate should include concrete support for addressing the high levels of sexual violence, including replicating the women and children’s desks’ in police stations outside of Monrovia; support for strengthening the judicial system to ensure accountability for such crimes, including the court system and capacity of the police; and education and awareness campaigns. The UNMIL mandate should support the implementation of Liberia‟s National Action Plan on SCR 1325.
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Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for September 2010
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for September 2010, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Liberia:
The UN mission in Liberia (UNMIL) should have a clearer focus and wider reach on women, peace and security issues. In its mandate renewal, entry points for the Council include:
- Taking concrete steps, with the Liberian government, to prevent and reduce election-related gender-based violence prior to and
post the 2011 Liberian election, including ensuring the security of women candidates during the 2011 campaigning in light of the
possibility of gender-based intimidation of candidates and activists, a particular problem in Lofa county and the southeast.
UNMIL must also be be prepared for possible post election violence, particularly gender-based violence.
- Broaden – with resources – UNMIL’s objective of strengthening civil society organizations as a link between individuals and state
institutions to the entire country, rather than focusing primarily on a capital-based group of Liberian NGOs.
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Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for August 2010
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for August 2010, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Liberia:
Physical and sexual violence continue to be reported at alarmingly high levels in Liberia. The next report on UNMIL, the UN mission in Liberia, must contain information on the progress of the Liberian government’s GBV National Action Plan and whether prevention and response efforts have improved access to critical services, reduced impunity for these crimes, and improved women’s security. Furthermore, the report should indicate whether women have benefited from increased educational and economic opportunities as a means to reduce their vulnerability and ensure they benefit from peace.
Additionally, the section of the report providing an overview economic situation should mention the unique aspects of the economic empowerment of adolescent girls. Member States should request information on this issue as it pertains to keeping young women from possibly having to engage in high risk activities to survive and provide for their families. It is important that the report cover these issues in light of UNMIL’s forthcoming mandate renewal, due in September.
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Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for February 2010
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for February 2010, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Liberia:
In the next report on the UN mission in Liberia, UNMIL should provide information on its progress in sensitizing and develop the capacity of its personnel, the Government of Liberia and civil society with regard to issues of gender, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse. The report should include the current status of human rights in Liberia, including the weakness of rule of law institutions, economic insecurity, and the continuing limited access to social services. Finally, the report should address progress and challenges in ensuring that the Liberian National Police Gender Unit receives ongoing adequate gender training, and adequate logistical and equipment support for the unit.
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NGO Resources
Liberia: Rural Women Want Inclusion In Politics
8 June 2011
Peace Women
Link
Liberia: Protect Refugees Against Sexual Abuse
20 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Liberia: Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review
12 April 2010
Amnesty International
Link
Liberia: Dreams Deferred: Educational and Skills-building Needs and Opportunities for Youth in Liberia
September 2009
Women’s Refugee Commission
Link
Lessons from Liberia: Reintegrating Women in Post-Conflict Liberia
March 2009
Amnesty International
Link
Post War Process in Liberia
March 2008
Amnesty International
Link
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Member Organizations
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