Making an Impact

Vol. 3, No.UNMIL 03 FOCUS March - May 2007

Making An Impact Reclaiming Shattered Childhood Rescuing Rice Farmers Message from the Special Representative of the Secretary-GGeneral ince I last wrote in this column, Liberia has crossed another significant milestone on its way to economic recovery. In late April, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to lift the sanctions on Liberian diamonds, paving the way for Liberia to resume diamond mining, which, following on the earlier lifting of sanctions on timber exports, shouldS give a helpful boost to the economy. In the past, instead of contributing to national development and benefiting the population, these natural resources fuelled conflicts in Liberia and the region. The lifting of the timber and diamond sanctions is an acknowledgement by the Security Council of the Liberian government’s determination to put in place internal control measures to ensure that these natural resources benefit the people of Liberia and are not misappropriated. This is yet another endorsement by the international community of the country’s progress towards good governance and rule of law. For over a year now, the United Nations Mission in Liberia has been supporting the Liberian government in its efforts to institute measures that would lead to the lifting of the embargo. In March, I had the opportunity to present the Secretary-General’s four- teenth progress report on Liberia to the Security Council. The report highlighted the successes made in Liberia to bolster peace and further economic progress while pointing out the various reconstruction and development challenges that need urgent attention. These challenges to peace in Liberia must be tackled head-on to ensure the process of renewal and recovery is on course. In view of the continued need for international support to Liberia’s recovery and development, the Security Council renewed the mandate of UNMIL for a further period of six months. The Council also called on the government of Liberia to take further steps towards achieving key benchmarks aimed at facilitating a phased, gradual consolidation, drawdown and withdrawal of UNMIL’s troop contingent without compromising the country’s security. In a few months, a drawdown plan for UNMIL, based on the operational requirements and the progress towards consolidation of peace, will be submit- ted to the Security Council. This plan will take into account the security situation in the country and the capacity of the new Liberian National Police, the Armed Forces of Liberia and other national security agencies to manage the security challenges facing the country. The plan will be discussed with the government and other partners to ensure that all stakeholders in the Liberian peace process are fully consulted before the Security Council makes its decisions on the future directions for UNMIL. While we all recognize and applaud the progress made so far, we cannot afford to be complacent. Liberia is no longer a “failed state.” But the challenges abound. UNMIL and the UN Country Team must continue to be vigilant and diligent both to lock in the gains made so far and to assist the government and the people of Liberia to chart the way forward to a better future.

Alan Doss Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia

2 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 8 10 12 14 UNMIL has so far imple- Nearly 12,000 children For Liberia's farmers, The new Women and mented more than 250 were among the more than whose livelihoods were Children Protection Quick Impact Projects to 100,000 combatants dis- shattered by the civil war, Section of the Liberian benefit communities across armed in Liberia as the civil this year's farming season National Police is a boon to Liberia. Communities war came to an end. The looks set to be better than Liberia's women and chil- any in the recent past as themselves identify these children's agency, UNICEF, dren, who have been the emergency assistance small-scale projects, which is spearheading their rein- reaches 80,000 vulnerable worst affected by sexual cover various sectors such tegration into the society by farmers. The assistance violence during the civil as education, energy, shel- offering formal education includes rice seeds and war. ter, road rehabilitation and and skills training pro- training to enhance crop the rule of law. grammes. productivity.

IN THIS ISSUE Special Representative of the Secretary-GGeneral and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in 14 Challenges Remain Despite Progress Liberia 6 Bolstering Peace and Security Alan Doss

8 Making an Impact Deputy Special Representative of the 10 Reclaiming Shattered Childhood Secretary-GGeneral for Recovery and Governance 12 Rescuing Rice Farmers Jordan Ryan 14 Protection from Sexual Abuse Officer-iin-CCharge of Public 16 Back Home for Good Information 18 Magical Cauldrons Ben Dotsei Malor

20 Water, water… Editor and Head of Publications 22 “The Best School of Life” Mathew Elavanalthoduka

24 More Light Today, Big Light Tomorrow Staff Writers 26 Civic Education to Strengthen Local Leadership Sulaiman Momodu Rebecca Bannor-AAddae 28 Battle Against AIDS J. Wesley Washington 30 Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS Design and Graphics 31 Diamond Sanctions Lifted Paddy Defoxy Ilos, II 32 Action Plan Launched Photos 33 UN Family Executive Boards Visit Liberia Eric Kanalstein 34 More Assets for Liberian Police Published by the Public Information 35 Ministry of Agriculture Gets Support Office, United Nations Mission in Liberia 36 UNDP Supports Resource Centre 37 The Philippines Contributes To Peace in Liberia [email protected]

38 Liberians Speak Printed by Buck Press Ltd., Accra, Ghana

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 3 Visit us at www.unmil.org Challenges Remain Despite Progress By Mathew Elavanalthoduka nation, says Secretary-General Ban Ki- progress in consolidating peace, stability moon’s latest report on Liberia presented and democracy, as well as in promoting ervasive poverty, high unem- to the Security Council in March. recovery” but the country still faces “sig- ployment, massive illiteracy Ban acknowledged the country’s nificant reconstruction and development and food insecurity continue to steady progress in consolidating peace, challenges” arising from 14 years of civil be major obstacles to Liberia’s stability and democracy as well as in pro- strife, said the report, presented by the development despite numerous moting economic recovery with sustained Special Representative of the Secretary- successesP in bolstering peace and further- support from the international community. General, Alan Doss. ing economic progress in the war-torn “Liberia continues to make steady “A number of tasks that are critical to

4 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 yet benefited from reintegration pro- the significant challenges that Liberia con- grammes. tinues to face, the Security Council unani- Warning of the plausible external mously adopted a resolution that recom- threats to Liberia’s peace and stability, the mended the extension of the mandate of Secretary-General said the “unpredictable the United Nations Mission in Liberia situations” in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea (UNMIL) for a further period of six create an environment that poses addition- months. The Council also called on the al challenges to efforts to build sustained Secretary-General to take steps towards stability in the country. Policies at the achieving key benchmarks aimed at facili- highest political levels to promote good tating a phased, gradual consolidation, neighbourly relations and to build mecha- drawdown and withdrawal of UNMIL’s nisms for stability in the border areas and troop contingent “as the situation permits the wider sub-region are required, he and without compromising” the country’s pointed out. security. The report praised the “very encourag- The Security Council commended the ing” positive expressions of support by continuing steps taken by the government international partners during the Liberia of Liberia to improve governance and Partners’ Forum held in Washington in combat corruption, as well as the signifi- February that brought together the donor cant progress made in regaining government control over Liberia’s natural “A number of tasks that are resources. The Council also welcomed UNMIL’s policy to promote and protect critical to the consolidation the rights of women and called on Liberian of peace in the country have authorities to continue their efforts to yet to be completed, includ- enhance cooperation with the UN country team and civil society to combat sexual ing the reintegration of ex- exploitation and abuse in the country. combatants, the resettlement An additional element of administra- of returnees, the reform of tive and related support and security for the activities of the Special Court for the judiciary and the exten- Sierra Leone in Liberia was added to the sion of the rule of law mandate of UNMIL by the Security throughout the country.” Council on a “cost-reimbursable basis” and “without prejudice to the performance Ban Ki-mmoon of its other mandated tasks.” the consolidation of peace in the country Reacting to Liberian media reports that have yet to be completed, including the community and multilateral agencies sup- portrayed the Security Council’s request to reintegration of ex-combatants, the reset- porting the country’s reconstruction. “I the Secretary-General to submit a draw- tlement of returnees, the reform of the was particularly gratified by the commit- down plan for the mission as an indication judiciary and the extension of the rule of ment made towards helping the govern- of UNMIL’s imminent withdrawal from law throughout the country,” the report ment find solutions to clear its debts with Liberia, Special Representative of the cautioned. international financial institutions. It is Secretary-General Alan Doss ruled out any The report highlighted the potential hoped that the partners will follow through precipitous withdrawal of UN peacekeep- threat to Liberia’s stability stemming from on these commitments so that Liberia’s ers from the country. high unemployment, including among for- multilateral debt arrears can be cleared in “The resolution does not call for the mer combatants and deactivated security a timely manner,” said the Secretary- withdrawal of UNMIL forces at this time. personnel, as a source of “serious con- General. Help me reassure the people of Liberia cern.” Labour-intensive employment Citing the slow progress of the work of that UNMIL is not on the way out. But opportunities must be provided in the short Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation there will be readjustment of our forces. term to address this threat, while sustain- Commission owing to a number of man- For example, we have increased our police able employment opportunities generated agement, personnel and budgetary chal- presence, and one military battalion left at through a revitalized economy will need to lenges, the report said these problems need the end of last year. Others will leave but it be created in the long term, the report to be resolved “on an urgent basis” so that will not be done in a hasty fashion,” Doss pointed out, stressing the need to intensify the Commission can continue its valuable assured the Liberian population. efforts to provide reintegration opportuni- work of ensuring lasting peace in Liberia. ties to former combatants who have not Based on Ban’s report and recognizing

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 5 PEACE AND SECURITY

By Sulaiman Momodu

he mandate of securing peace and sustaining security in Liberia is shared by the 14,000-strong international military personnel from 48 Tnations and over 1,200 UN Police personnel from 39 countries who form part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Lt.-Gen. Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor from Nigeria commands the military force while Commissioner Mohammed Alhassan from Ghana heads the UN Police (UNPOL). UNMIL took over peacekeeping operations from the ECOWAS Mission in Liberia (ECOMIL) on 1 October 2003. Since its deployment, security and stability have been restored to the war-ravaged country. Currently, UN troops are deployed throughout the country, which is divided into four sectors, with each sector comprising a brigade-strength unit with full combat, engineering and medical support elements. As Liberia emerges from 14 years of mindless violence, simple incidents like vehicle accidents or unfounded rumours continue to occasionally spark sponta- neous violent reactions from members of the public. Houses have been set on fire in some instances. A UN funded police station was set ablaze in Bong County in late April this year. “People think that in a democracy development should come in one day but it does not happen that way,” says Force Commander Obiakor, pointing out that there is a problem of expectations vis-à-vis the capacity of the government to deliver what people want. He describes the occa- sional internal disturbances in the country as “risks and not a threat” to the peace Bolstering process. “Such risks can impede development if people destroy property. It means we move forward and come back, so there is no progress.” UNPOL is engaged in training the Peace and 3,500-strong Liberian National Police (LNP) and other statutory law enforcement agencies as part of the efforts to restructure and rebuild these institutions as well as supporting their operational activi- Security ties. So far, over 2,800 LNP have been trained while more than 700 are undergo-

6 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 In the new LNP, policies and procedures are being instituted to ensure that police practices are in consonance with democratic principles and international standards. New rank structures have been introduced, command and control have been strengthened and efforts are being made to ensure that there is total decentral- isation of the police throughout Liberia. Although much progress has been made, Liberia’s new police force has a long way to go before it can effectively maintain law and order in the country. “We still have much more to do in assisting the Lt.-Gen. Obiakor LNP to become a democratic, principled Commissioner Alhassan ing training. At present the LNP lacks the and modern police force. This will be Guinea. capacity to efficiently carry out its respon- ongoing until the last UNPOL officer To enhance regional security, ECOW- sibility to maintain law and order through- leaves Liberia,” reiterates Commissioner AS is forming a 3000-strong standby force out the country. Alhassan. with its logistics base proposed to be in Shortly before he left on a temporary While the police force is being trained Hastings, near Freetown, capital of Sierra assignment to New York, UNPOL and incrementally deployed, training is Leone. “So even if there are only 2,000 Commissioner Alhassan told UNMIL also going on for the new Armed Forces of troops in AFL, it does not mean that is all. FOCUS that the number of riots and Liberia (AFL) as part of the overall securi- On the wings, there will be the ECOWAS protests in the country continues to decline ty sector reform. The first batch of 106 sol- standby force that can move into any and that the LNP, with support from diers graduated out of a targeted number place,” says Force Commander Obiakor, UNPOL, has been able to police these of 2,000 last year. AFL recruits are being looking at the long term prospects of gatherings professionally and without trained by DynCorp International, a pri- regional security in West Africa. resort to use of force. In Monrovia, “In many cases crime police carry out cor- is being reported to don and search oper- the police as opposed ations in addition to to mob action when conducting night UNMIL first came to patrols to enhance Liberia three years security. Special ago,” he noted. Representative of the In restructuring Secretary-General the LNP, which was Alan Doss, Inspector bloated and largely General of the LNP discredited in the Beatrice Munah Sieh eyes of the public, and other security over 2,000 police Stability and security personnel participate officers who did not have been restored to from time to time in meet the required Liberia since the deploy- the night patrols to recruitment criteria ment of peacekeepers gauge the perform- were deactivated. ance of the police UNPOL has assisted and to get feedback to bring in donor support, vital equipment, vate security company contracted by the from the public. vehicles and other accoutrements to enable United States Government. Further to restoring peace and security the Liberian Police to be in a position to In the past, cross-border attacks have in Liberia, UNMIL also collaborates with function. Several police stations through- been part of the conflicts in the West the UN Mission in Côte d’Ivoire and pro- out the country have been rehabilitated African region. To prevent such attacks, tects the UN-backed Special Court for through UNMIL’s Quick Impact Projects. UNMIL has been conducting border Sierra Leone. The police and military At the Police Academy, new classroom patrols, including “Operation Mayo” on components of the mission have also been blocks have been constructed through the the Ivorian border, “Operation Logo” on rendering humanitarian assistance to the support of the governments of Norway and the border with Sierra Leone, and local population as they savour peace after the Netherlands. “Operation Seskin” on the border with long years of civil war.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 7 QUICK IMPACT

Making an Impact Alan Doss inaugurates a newly built police station By Sulaiman Momodu Resource Mobilization and Trust Fund health institutions, road rehabilitation, rule Programme. Usually, the UN funds QIPs of law, shelter, and water and sanitation or 15-year-old Ernest Konneh for two years, but in view of its huge are the sectors in which QIP has inter- of Robertsport, capital of vened. The education sector accounts for Grand Cape Mount County, The small-sscale projects are 41 per cent of the projects implemented as protection of his mother’s fish getting Liberia’s children back to school was foremost on his mind as a implemented with the full has been a top priority. Montserrado teamF from the United Nations Mission in participation of the commu- County, including Monrovia and its envi- Liberia (UNMIL) and government offi- nity members. After identify- rons, has the highest number of 100 proj- cials arrived in the coastal town sometime ects as the focus during the first two years in April to inaugurate a police station. ing the projects in areas that was where a high number of people had “My mother buys raw fish from fisher- are prioritised by UNMIL, settled during the civil war. As many peo- men at the wharf, which she smokes and communities allocate land, ple began returning home with the restora- sells. It is with the little that she gets as tion of peace, QIP literally followed them profit that she supports the family. But provide labour and monitor to their communities to assist them reset- sometimes rogues break into the kitchen at the implementation of the tle. night and steal all the fish from the dryer,” projects by non-ggovernmen- The small-scale projects are imple- he says, in the company of friends who mented with the full participation of the had all converged to catch a glimpse of the tal organisations, govern- community members. After identifying the handing over of the building. ment institutions, UNMIL’s projects in areas that are prioritised by Aimed at restoring law and order as military forces and other UNMIL, communities allocate land, pro- Liberia recovers from the ruins of 14 years vide labour and monitor the implementa- of civil war, the newly rehabilitated station sections of the mission. tion of the projects by non-governmental in Robertsport is one of 24 police stations organisations, government institutions, that have been funded by UNMIL’s Quick needs, Liberia has been fortunate to UNMIL’s military forces and other sec- Impact Project (QIP) across the country. receive funding for four years running tions of the mission. The ceiling per proj- “We have 261 projects completed and 21 since 2003. ect has been raised from US$ 15,000 to are ongoing,” says Faith Harding, Chief of Education, energy, good governance, 25,000. So far, nearly US$ 4 million has

8 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 been spent on the implementation of the In the Monrovia suburb of Caldwell in violence. Inaugurating the centre, the projects, offering short-term employment mid-March, children and youth thronged Deputy Special Representative of the for the local population. Today in many the premises of the first youth peace centre Secretary-General, Jordan Ryan, pointed communities across Liberia, the QIP label in Liberia to witness the inauguration of out that the challenges facing post-conflict could be seen emblazoned on schools, Liberia are enormous but the determina- prisons, clinics, police stations and other Currently, Liberia is among tion of the youth to make a difference is structures. the country’s greatest gift. Currently, Liberia is among countries countries with the highest Before the intervention of QIP, a major with the highest infant and maternal mor- infant and maternal mortali- constraint public servants faced was the tality rates. One in four children in the ty rates. One in four children need to travel to the capital Monrovia to country dies before the age of five because collect their salaries. QIP built three pay- of the lack of health facilities or poor qual- in the country dies before ment centres for the Central Bank in ity of health care, especially in rural areas. the age of five because of Voinjama, Zwedru and Tubmanburg, thus To enhance health care, five health struc- the lack of health facilities or enabling the civil servants to collect their tures have been built for traditional birth poor quality of health care, pay from these locations. attendants in Saclepea, Nimba County. In the Cowfield community, on the The new structures bring to 15 the number especially in rural areas. To outskirts of Monrovia, Special of health facilities constructed and rehabil- enhance health care, five Representative Doss recently handed over itated by the QIP in eight counties. health structures have been a new police station much to the relief of “Health is wealth. We must help you local residents. During the war, residents generate this wealth. Without healthy chil- built for traditional birth say several civilians were massacred in the dren, there will be no healthy Liberia,” attendants in Saclepea, Cowfield community. But as if that was says the Special Resentative of the Nimba County. The new not enough, with the restoration of peace, Secretary-General, Alan Doss, as he hands structures bring to 15 the a criminal gang had begun terrorizing the over a health facility completed by QIP to community. “We could not sleep. Now, we a rural community. number of health facilities are sleeping in peace,” says a community Recently, QIP built 10 regional dia- constructed and rehabilitat- leader, expressing gratitude to UNMIL. mond offices following the lifting of sanc- ed by the QIP in eight coun- As implementation of QIP continues, tions on diamonds by the Security ties. inadequate funding, bad road conditions Council. When the ban on timber was lift- and lack of capacity of local organisations ed last year, QIP assisted with building to fully implement the projects on time are offices for the Forestry Development the QIP building which would be a model some of the challenges being faced. Authority. “Quick Impact Projects are for the country where young people will Notwithstanding the challenges, these small, but very effective,” points out meet to talk about peace and development. small-scale projects mean a lot to the ben- Harding. Hitherto, the community was notorious for eficiaries. Small, yet very effective REINTEGRATION Reclaiming Shattered Childhood

By Rebecca Bannor-AAddae been affected by war, and all children have been affected one way or the other,” says oosevelt Jallah is among Alfred Mutiti, a Reintegration Officer with thousands of Liberian chil- UNICEF. dren who lost their inno- According to UNICEF, successful cence early in life, having demobilization and rehabilitation entails been sucked into the more than taking the weapons out of chil- whirlpoolR of Liberia’s brutal civil war at a dren’s hands. In addition to being reunited tender age. “I joined NPFL [Charles with their families, the children also need Taylor’s rebel outfit] when I was a small psycho-social care. They need to firmly boy because my people had been killed. I resettle in their communities to regain a wanted to protect what was left,” recalls sense of safe normality. “We went to their Jallah, now in his late 20s. communities not singling out the demobi- It is estimated that by the end of the lized child, but rather using the child as an war, children associated with the fighting entry point in order to implement our pro- forces represented 11 per cent of the total grammes in a comprehensive manner,” armed elements in the country. Some of Mutiti explains UNICEF’s efforts to rein- the children were forced to commit terrible tegrate the war-affected children in atrocities, often under the influence of Liberia. drugs. Yet others were used as labourers or For most Liberian children, school was sex slaves. With the war coming to an end interrupted continually throughout the war in 2003 and with the deployment of peace- leaving an entire generation with little or keepers as part of the United Nations no formal education. In addressing this Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the children concern, UNICEF initially mobilised were poised to return to a normal life. action for the Back to School campaign More than 100,000 former combatants which distributed school-in-the-box kits to laid down their weapons during the two more than 750,000 children and trained phases of UNMIL’s year-long nearly 5,000 classroom instructors. Disarmament, Demobilization, UNICEF and other partners are also sup- Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) porting the Government’s Accelerated programme that began in late 2003. Learning Programme (ALP), condensing Among them were 11,780 children (9,042 six years of primary school into a three- boys and 2,738 girls) who were targeted year intensive programme targeting for rehabilitation and reintegration, a long 400,000 children, nearly half of Liberia’s term process requiring active participation student population. not only by the children but also by their In 2005, UNICEF, together with child communities. “The whole of Liberia has protection agencies implementing the chil-

10 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 dren’s DDRR programme and the Ministry cash grant to start small businesses. Finda of Education, launched the Community Boundo, who graduated in May 2006, Education Investment Programme (CEIP). today runs her own little catering enter- While CEIP offers formal education and prise on the outskirts of Monrovia. “I training of educators, a 9-month skills make cakes, cornbread and biscuits, which training and apprenticeship programme I sell in the street, and sometimes people has helped beneficiaries to take up various will ask me to cater for a party or a cele- trades and vocations. These programmes bration. The programme helped me to are linked to community welfare commit- establish my life,” says Boundo, who tees, youth groups and children’s clubs spent two years in the bush with govern- that have helped in mobilising children ment soldiers as her brother had joined into programmes as well as providing psy- their ranks and brought her along. cho-social support and monitoring per- The last of four skills training centres formance of those that complete skills in Montserrado County was recently com- training. pleted by Children Assistance Program CEIP identifies the formally demobi- (CAP), a local NGO partnering with lized children, places them in a school in UNICEF in implementing the reintegra- their community and waives school fees. tion programmes for demobilized chil- Although CEIP was meant for government dren. “The demobilized children regis- and community schools, demobilised chil- tered with us for the skills training and dren often registered into private schools apprenticeship programme in Montserrado because they are generally of a better stan- have completed their nine-month course. dard. The other students of that particular The skills training was successful and has school will also benefit from CEIP in the enhanced the reintegration process of the form of educational and recreational mate- children. We managed to get most of the rial distributed by UNICEF. children into school and if not that, they Susan A. Berry Memorial Institute, a learned a trade,” says Deroe Weeks, school on the outskirts of Monrovia with Director of CAP. 789 students from kindergarten to grade A total of 4,295 children accessed 12, has enrolled 11 students who are direct CEIP in the academic year of 2005/06. beneficiaries of CEIP. “Mixing the demo- The official end of the reintegration pro- bilized children with the rest of the student gramme is set for July 2007. However, group was challenging in the beginning. funding for CEIP is secured until the end Their sometimes angry manners, including of September. UNICEF is currently dis- their lack of respect, could be difficult at cussing ways to ensure that these children times. Also remember that these children can fit into a wider education framework. were used to command structures and we “There has to be some sort of continuity had to ensure that they did not form groups and we are working on an exit strategy,” applying those old habits,” says the says UNICEF’s Mutiti. Principal, Kaifa K Kamara. Currently UNICEF is reviewing pro- “We do a lot of extra curricular activi- posals to continue post-DDRR support to ties such as sports as a means to integrate skills training graduates through a busi- the children and they are gradually getting ness development services (BDS). The along,” says Kamara, who himself went BDS is meant to provide mentoring and through a one-week intensive workshop coaching services to the graduates to Liberia’s younger that has equipped thousands of teachers, ensure that the new businesses succeed. generation is less principals and education officers with “A sustainable reintegration programme educated than the skills to offer trauma counselling to chil- for former child solders is vital for Liberia. older generation dren affected by armed conflict. While ensuring equity of benefits between Some children did not qualify for for- child and adult demobilizing soldiers, mal education or they simply chose to there should also be recognition of the spe- learn a trade. The 9-month Skills Training cial needs of child soldiers and the partic- and apprenticeship programme offers the ular problems they face in reintegrating possibility of learning a trade for demobi- into their communities,” says Rozanne lized children above 15. Graduates from Chorlton, UNICEF’s Representative in this programme receive tool kits and a Liberia.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 11 RescuingRescuing RiceRice

By J. Wesley Washington rice seeds already procured, the fund will fresh technical know-how to enhance rice over the next three months provide train- production. This will enable the struggling s this year’s farming season farmers earn their livelihoods and enhance is set to begin with the Years of conflict severely food security in the country. heavens opening up, soak- An assessment carried out by the ing the entire country in curtailed Liberia’s agricultur- Agriculture Coordination Committee, incessant rains, there is a al productivity. Only half of which includes FAO, MOA and other newA wave of optimism among Liberia’s strategic partners, found urgent need for rural households have struggling farmers. The United Nations emergency assistance to 140,000 farming Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), access to land and used it families in the country. However, only in collaboration with the Ministry of for cultivation in 2005. The 80,000 farming families, including Agriculture (MOA), has secured US$2.2 key problems of food inse- returnees who did not receive any assis- million for emergency assistance to tance last season, will benefit from this 80,000 vulnerable farmers throughout curity, the survey noted, year’s gesture. Liberia. included low agricultural “Considering the prevailing rice seeds The assistance from the Central production capacities, limit- deficit nationwide and the significant Emergency Response Fund (CERF) fol- number of vulnerable farmers to be assist- lows an urgent appeal from the United ed economic access as well ed, a rapid response was crucial to ensure Nations Resident and Humanitarian as low biological absorption availability of seeds and other inputs, res- Coordinator, Jordan Ryan, to support capacities. cue the current planting season from fail- Liberia’s farmers facing critical shortfall ure and avert a potential further deteriora- of seeds of their favourite rice crop. In tion of food security situation in the coun- addition to more than 2,000 metric tons of ing to farmers on improved crop produc- try,” says Winfred Hammond, FAO tion methods, seeds multiplication and Representative in Liberia.

12 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 nine New Rice of Africa (NERICA) varieties and four high yielding local varieties are currently under multiplication,” he said. “We are also reactivating our seed multiplication sites throughout Liberia which will compliment other undertak- ings,” Dr. Toe added. FAO Representative Hammond pointed out that a good portion of the CERF, besides supplying rice seeds to farmers, is to set up seed multiplication projects throughout Liberia. “Next year, we don’t hope to go begging to procure the same quantity of seeds. We could produce our own seeds, if not the same quantity, but a substantial amount,” he said. Due to the scarcity of rice seeds in- country, only 700 metric tons were pur- chased locally this year. The remaining requirement of high yielding rice seeds

For many of Liberia’s farmers, whose livelihoods were shattered by the long civil war, this year’s farming season looks set to be better FarmersFarmers than any they have known in the recent past. J. Wesley Washington/UNMIL J. Wesley

A wide-ranging Comprehensive Food and Grand Kru have the highest proportion was made available by the Seed Security and Nutrition Survey (CFSNS) of households with poor consumption and Multiplication Unit of FAO and the released in October 2006 identified three dietary diversity,” the survey noted, while Ministry of Agriculture of neighbouring key problem areas -- low agricultural pro- households with the weakest access pro- Sierra Leone. ductivity, limited buying power, and wor- files were found in Lofa, Bomi, Grand The first consignment of rice seeds rying levels of malnutrition across the Kru, River Gee and Bong. arrived in the country in early March 2007 country. The survey highlighted other fac- During the launch of the 2007/2008 and a robust coordination mechanism has tors such as road infrastructure and market rice seed distribution, Agriculture Minister been put in place to distribute the seeds access as central to the improvement of Dr. Christopher Toe termed the situation as throughout the country by both land and Liberia’s post-war food security picture. very alarming. “We need to act now to sea. With the help of the World Food Years of conflict severely curtailed reverse this creeping trend of food insecu- Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Liberia’s agricultural productivity. Only rity,” he said, pledging government’s com- Mission in Liberia, about 950 metric tons half of rural households have access to mitment to improving food security. had reached the targeted beneficiaries in land and used it for cultivation in 2005. During last year’s rice planting season, Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee and The key problems of food insecurity, the 47,250 farming families received 355 met- other counties in southeastern Liberia by survey noted, included low agricultural ric tons of rice seeds with funds provided mid April. production capacities, limited economic by the Liberian Government, said Dr. Toe. For many of Liberia’s farmers, whose access as well as low biological absorption This year, with funding from the cur- livelihoods were shattered by the long capacities. rent fiscal budget increased by over 250 civil war, this year’s farming season looks The analysis showed 11 percent to be per cent from a five-year outlay of less set to be better than any they have known food insecure, 40 per cent highly vulnera- than US$1 million to over US$3.2 million, in the recent past. ble to food insecurity, 41 percent moder- the Ministry of Agriculture has begun ately vulnerable and only 8.6 percent food rehabilitating the Central Agriculture secure. “River Gee, Grand Gedeh, Lofa Research Institute (CARI). “As a result,

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 13 WOMEN AND CHILDREN Protection From Sexual Abuse By Rebecca Bannor-AAddae of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. reversing this pattern of injustice became Mirrored on similar systems in Ghana and urgent. In December 2005 Liberia passed y name is Sierra Leone, the Section handles cases of one of West Africa’s toughest rape laws. Nowelyn*. sexual assault and gender-based violence The inauguration as President of Ellen I’m 16 years in addition to assisting children in conflict Johnson Sirleaf, a strong champion of old.” with the law. human rights, gave tremendous impetus to In Liberia’s male-dominated society, the cause of the vulnerable and the neg- “M“Where do you live?” women and children have historically lected. UNMIL, in collaboration with the “I live on the main street in town.” occupied the fringes. The 14-year civil war “Will you tell me what happened?” only deepened the stigma of inequality. It was a Sunday afternoon when Children made up a large portion of the Nowelyn’s mother sent her to fetch water fighting forces while women and young from the community well. There Nowelyn ran into Marie*, a girl from her neighbour- hood. The two of them walked home Changing the pattern of together, balancing the water filled jerry- gender based violence and cans on their heads. Stopping outside sexual abuse is a gradual Marie’s house, the girls chatted and laughed for a while. Then Marie asked process requiring consistent Nowelyn to come inside. and progressive efforts by all “What happened next?” parties involved. WACPS Nowelyn sits gingerly on the chair opposite Eugenia J. Roberts and does not exist in isolation Christopher S. Davis, two investigators of and relies on the effective- the Women and Children Protection ness of the extended police Section (WACPS). The teenager bites her thumbnail as she looks around the room. system, the judiciary and the From this point on, Nowelyn tells her various government institu- story in abrupt sequences, holding back tions working towards build- tears by biting her lips and speaking in whispers. ing a protective environment Nowelyn was raped by Marie’s older for women and children in brother when sitting in the room waiting Liberia. for her friend who had to abruptly go for an errand for her father. No one heard her cries when Marie’s brother forced her onto girls became easy targets for sexual the bed. When she at last flung open the exploitation and abuse. According to Staff of Women and door, only the dim light of the afternoon World Health Organization surveys con- government, began public awareness cam- sun witnessed her face streaked with tears. ducted in 2004 and 2005 in six counties, paigns in the form of radio shows, jingles She ran all the way home. 90.8 per cent of women and girls were sex- and bill boards highlighting the wrongs of It is to tackle such abuses and crimes ually abused during the war. In 2006 WHO sexual abuse. Local and international that the Women and Children Protection surveyed an additional four counties and NGOs also began sensitizing communities Section (WACPS) of the Liberian National found that 82 per cent of the female pop- nationwide on women’s rights and the Police (LNP) was established by UNICEF ulation had been subjected to violence of importance of an environment free from in September of 2005 in collaboration with sexual nature during the conflict. sexual and gender based violence. the LNP and UNPOL, the civilian police As the war came to an end in 2003, “It was important to establish WACPS

14 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 especially in this post-conflict situation being of women and children. tion and so on, says Ibrahim. “We need to were so many women and children walk “Our biggest challenge is that at the protect the victim against possible attacks around with wounds of abuse. And some- end of the day the victim, especially the by the alleged perpetrator. In fact in most times even telling your story will serve as sexually abused, expects that the perpetra- cases, like no other place in the world, the a means to heal,” says Asatu Bah-Kenneth, tor be caught. If the perpetrator escapes he sexual violence is committed by someone the Deputy Inspector General of LNP. The might come back to further harm the vic- close to the women or the girl. More and first units of WACPS were located in tim. It is our obligation to provide full pro- more we hear that it’s the uncle, it’s the Monrovia, operating initially with 25 spe- tection for the victim, it is paramount,” cousin, the neighbour.” cially trained LNP personnel. Today, 82 says Christopher S. Davis, WACPS inves- The Ministry of Gender and police investigators work from 10 police tigator. Upon receiving a case of rape or Development heads the Sexual Gender stations throughout Liberia while an addi- other sexual abuse, the Section will deter- Based Violence Task Force composed of tional 25 investigators are currently being mine whether the victim is in need of government, UN agencies and local and trained. UNPOL assists with six personnel immediate protection in the form of med- international NGOs. The Force assemble attached to the Section as trainers and ical treatment and removal from the home. bi-monthly and is responsible for coordi- mentors. The Netherlands and Norway Nowelyn was among those taken to a “safe nating intervention by partners working on have provided logistical support in the home” for protection. the ground, in accordance with the form of transportation and building or ren- UNICEF supports one safe home in Gender-Based Violence National Action ovation of police stations. Liberia while other such homes are operat- Plan adopted in November 2006. ed by local and international NGOs. Safe “We can’t continue to blame every- homes provide a temporary shelter for the thing on the war. Prior to the war and after victims of sexually abuse while the perpe- the war sexual abuse was and still is a tru- trators undergo court procedures. The ism. But most definitely this type of vio- UNICEF-supported safe home has a strik- lence has become an every other day issue ing resemblance to a family household. especially when it comes to domestic vio- Children’s drawings hang on the walls of lence and children, even babies, being the living room. A TV sits in the corner raped,” says Deddeh Kwekwe, focal per- and a china cabinet displays porcelain son for gender based violence at the ample for an extended family. In the bed- Ministry. rooms are neatly made bunk beds and toys Changing the pattern of gender based lay on the floor. The atmosphere is calm violence and sexual abuse is a gradual and outside in the yard one can hear chil- process requiring consistent and progres- dren laughing. But the 34 children and sive efforts by all parties involved. teenagers who play around the house all WACPS does not exist in isolation and carry the gruesome memory of being relies on the effectiveness of the extended raped. police system, the judiciary and the vari- “The safe home is intended for girls ous government institutions working and women of all ages but older women towards building a protective environment tend to stay away perhaps due to stigma,” for women and children in Liberia. says Fatuma Ibrahim, Protection Project “UNICEF will continue to advocate Officer, UNICEF. “However, we are against gender-based violence because working toward establishing a home sepa- more still needs to be done, not only in rating the older victims from the younger Montserrado but in the entire country. although that is mainly because they need Women are becoming aware of their different kinds of intervention. The rights, cases of sexual abuse are being younger ones need motherly care. They reported all over the country,” says have a deep emotional void,” says Ibrahim. Liberia’s Chief Justice recently Children Protection Section assist victims Ibrahim. vowed to dedicate two courts as well as to It is now a standard requirement that a UNICEF facilitates training for the allocate judges to prioritise the prosecu- separate Women and Children Protection caregivers to cope with the emotional tion of cases related to gender based and Section is included in the design when stress the victims offload. “If the care- sexual violence. police stations are being built or renovated givers are burnt out they are of no use to Liberia’s women and children have a under UNMIL’s Quick Impact Projects themselves, they are of no use to the vic- long way to go before they can be free (QIPs). With the expansion of WACPS, tims. After all this is a safe home and that from atrocious sexual violence. But the the population is gradually becoming is also why we don’t want to talk too much journey has begun. aware of this new law enforcement facili- about the safe homes. For instance we *Some names have been changed to ty intended to protect the rights and well don’t disclose information regarding loca- protect their identity.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 15 RESETTLEMENT

Back Home for Good

With farms being cleared for cultivation, shelters being built and a sprinkling of basic facilities coming their way, there is a buzz in the communities to which Liberian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned. UNMIL FOCUS visits Grand Cape Mount and Bomi counties to see how the former refugees and IDPs are resettling in their communities.

By Sulaiman Momodu pregnant woman she was captured and tor- and partners, facilitated the return of over tured by rebels together with her husband, 34,000 displaced persons. yallay Kanneh, a single who was killed. As she eventually returned Resettling in their communities has not mother with seven chil- to Liberia, Kanneh sold some of the food been an easy task for many of the dren, wakes up as early as and non-food items she was provided by returnees. Yet, seemingly happy to have 4:30 a.m. and heads UNHCR and the World Food Programme returned home for good, they are slowly straight to her kitchen. For (WFP) to start her petty business. piecing together their shattered lives. theN next few hours, she prepares snacks, Hundreds of thousands of Liberians Mustapha Massaquoi in Sanie, a vil- which she sells at the Bo Waterside lorry who fled the civil war ended up in refugee lage along the Klay-Tubmanburg highway, park near the border with Sierra Leone. camps in neighbouring countries or in expresses appreciation to UNMIL for the The days are long for Kanneh and she internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps. restoration of peace and to UNHCR for doesn't go to bed until about midnight. It is According to UNHCR, organised repatria- providing shelter for vulnerable returnees. the regular routine for this former refugee tion of Liberian refugees reached 94,804 "When we came back, it was very bushy who returned from neighbouring Sierra in March this year with 88,425 still regis- here but today, we have a place to sleep, a Leone earlier this year by a convoy organ- tered in asylum countries. The refugee hand pump and latrines. However, our ized by the United Nations High agency has however announced that children are not going to school as we Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). organised repatriation of Liberian refugees have no school in this area, so we are "As you can see, this is what I do to will end this coming June. Last year, some appealing for assistance," he says, adding support my family," she says, busy dis- 35 IDP camps in the country were official- that he teaches the village children from playing her snacks for potential customers. ly closed after UNHCR, in collaboration time to time. "I am now 76 and as you can "I tell God thank you that I am alive with the Liberian Refugee Repatriation see, my hair is all grey, but my profession today," she says as she narrates how as a and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) is teaching, so I find time to teach the

16 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 future generation -- a teacher never Bomi with funds from UNHCR. A similar vided free of charge," he says, adding that retires," he says cheerfully. programme is being implemented by PWJ a government-funded hospital was opened The UNHCR Field Office in in Lofa, the county with the largest num- in Gbarpolu in early April. Some schools Tubmanburg, established in 2004, is in ber of returnees. also offer the Accelerated Learning charge of repatriation and reintegration of Returnees of Zuannie 2, in Tewor Programme to help students who were out returnees in the western region comprising District, had just finished rebuilding their of school for many years to catch up again. Bomi, Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount houses when a fire incident on 20 March Since 2004, the UN refugee agency counties. The refugee agency is involved this year burned down the village and all and its partners have been implementing in reintegration activities through partners their meagre possessions. Of the 15 hous- Community Empowerment Projects including Norwegian Refugee Council es in the village, only two were not (CEPs) in which communities identify the (NRC) for water and sanitation, shelter, touched by the inferno, which was projects in accordance with their needs, and returnee monitoring. Africa believed to have been caused by a bush says UNHCR Protection Officer Malumba Humanitarian Action (AHA) is collaborat- fire. According to the residents, their vil- Ntambwe. These small scale projects are ing with UNHCR to provide health servic- lage was set ablaze by rebels during the implemented with the full participation es while Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is war. and collaboration of the beneficiaries. involved in shelter programme and reviv- Following the incident, UNMIL's Currently, the refugee agency is develop- ing water and sanitation facilities in addi- Humanitarian Coordination Section in ing a compendium of the hundreds of proj- tion to rehabilitating 10 bridges. Tubmanburg took the lead in responding ects that it has implemented in return areas The shelter programme caters for vul- to the emergency, bringing together in Liberia. nerable returnees by providing a two-room UNHCR, local authorities, the LRRRC Some of the other major actors assist- structure per family. UNHCR has also pro- and other organizations to assist the hap- ing returnees are the Food and Agricultural vided some communities with skills train- less villagers. Undeterred, the residents are Organization (FAO), United Nations ing, rehabilitated schools, and assisted rebuilding their village once again. Development Programme (UNDP), World farmers with tools and seeds. The LRRRC monitors reintegration Food Programme (WFP) and the United At the UNHCR-funded Sinje Health programmes in collaboration with Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Sulaiman Momodu/UNMIL Centre, medical personnel of AHA say UNHCR and other partners such as Notwithstanding the enormous challenges they treat patients free of cost. In Klay, UNDP, UNICEF, Norwegian Refugee facing the returnees, there is a buzz in the PWJ is building shelter for vulnerable Council, Christian Children's Fund and communities in which they are trying to returnees in four categories including sin- German Agro Action. The Commission's rebuild their lives. Amidst high hopes of a gle parents, clinically ill, physically dis- Reintegration Officer in the western better future, those who have returned say abled and unaccompanied elderly. Since region, Boima S. Quaye, says there is they are glad to be back home for good last May when the programme started, some improvement in the education and and pray that never again should Liberia PWJ has constructed about 500 shelters in health sectors. "All health services are pro- taste the bitterness of war.

Sulaiman Momodu/UNMIL There is a new buzz in the communities where returnees have settled

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 17 SCHOOL FEEDING Magical Cauldrons By Rebecca Bannor-AAddae keep stepping out of line glancing side- I’m hungry,” says Samson, looking at ways to see how long it will take to reach Joseph. “Our parents cannot always afford t is time for lunch their destination. food,” Joseph nods in agreement. The two and the Grade 2 As the line slowly progresses, Samson boys attend the Dorothy Cooper pupils form a long, and his friend Joseph cling onto each Elementary School in Gbarnga, one out of noisy line in front other. “I did not eat 162 schools in Bong County to ben- of two gigantic before coming efit from the Ministry of Icooking pots that look to school, Education’s Emergency like straight out of a School Feeding (ESF) Harry Potter movie. programme supported by With a plate in one hand the World Food and books in the other, Programme (WFP). the children Two women appoint-

18 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 ed by the school’s Parent and Teacher families have limited or no access to ade- June. The bigger boys get ready to stack Association (PTA) have been cooking on quate safe and nutritious food. According the many sacks as a line of girls forms in an open fire since early morning. Samson to the government’s 2006 Comprehensive front of a registration desk. and Joseph eventually get to collect their Food Security and Nutrition Survey A component of the ESF programme is food and they soon sit down to eat their (CFSNS) supported by WFP, UNMIL and to provide the girls from Grade 3 to 6 with meal of bulgur wheat and beans. “The WHO, among others, 11 per cent of a monthly ration of cereal and vegetable school feeding programme is very helpful. Liberian households are food insecure and oil -- two girls per one gallon of oil and a Eighty per cent of our students are IDPs 40 per cent are highly vulnerable. As the 50kg sack of cereal. This is an incentive to [Internally Displaced Persons] and most agricultural sector has disintegrated by the encourage parents to send their daughters families have no land, meaning very limit- displacement of farming communities, to school, breaking with the tendency of ed access to food. If the children were not Liberia currently relies heavily on food leaving girls at home to work on the farm receiving food during school hours they imports. The high unemployment rate and or do petty trading in the market. “I have wouldn’t function. They lose their concen- the poor state of water and sanitation are five children and four of them are in tration if they are hungry,” says H. Moses contributing factors to food insecurity in school. I know that one day we will have Wah, the school’s principal. the country. to manage without the assistance of the On a small scale, WFP has been con- “FAO is still providing emergency school feeding programme, but for now it ducting school feeding programmes in assistance to farmers. Currently we are helps us greatly when my big girl brings Liberia since early 1970s. However, the distributing over 2,500 metric tons of rice home the provisions once a month. I current, expanded ESF programme was seeds to some 80,000 farming families in myself depended on school feeding when I launched in November 2003 to help the all 15 counties. We of course hope that was a boy,” says Emmanuel N. Johnson, transitional government rehabilitate the these efforts will make some gains in whose children attend the Dorothy Cooper entire education system, which collapsed terms of food security,” says Jallah M. Elementary School. during the 14 years of conflict. Fighting Kennedy, Director of Planning and Policy “During the peak of the emergency, and looting displaced nearly a third of the at the Ministry of Agriculture and national most schools in the country were benefit- population and school was interrupted consultant for the Food and Agricultural ing from ESF. As we are moving further continually leaving an entire generation Organization on food security and nutri- away from emergency towards recovery with little or no formal education strategy. and development, we are beginning to tion. As Liberia strives to recover from the scale down. Currently some private A high percentage of the ravages of war, the ESF programme bene- schools benefit from ESF but as of July Liberian population is food fits nearly 600,000 primary school pupils this year we will be targeting community insecure as who receive a hot lunch during school based schools and public primary schools hours Monday through Friday. On a only,” says Maran Narma, WFP’s head of monthly basis, WFP delivers an average of school feeding. The next phase of WFP’s 2,500 metric tons of food consisting of school feeding programme will benefit cereal, pulses, vegetable oil and salt to all some 450,000 primary school students 15 counties. The food items are transport- until 2009. WFP is collaborating with FAO ed from the harbour in Monrovia to seven on a new component including the estab- WFP sub-offices throughout the country. lishment of vegetable gardens to supple- Local and international NGOs collaborate ment food rations as well as to encourage as implementation partners. future self-sufficiency. WFP will be pro- “The challenge is that the community viding seeds in addition to support for works with us, that school authorities NGOs assisting communities in establish- ensure the food reaches the students, oth- ing school gardens. erwise the objective will not be met. To “Literacy in Liberia is as low as 10 to that end we have to be efficient in terms of 15 per cent. At that rate we know that monitoring,” says Johnny Ndorbor, something has to be done to get children Officer in Charge of WFP sub-office in into school. Numerous studies conducted Bong County. The Lutheran World in various countries have shown that Service, an international NGO, collabo- school feeding does help to motivate par- rates with WFP on distribution and moni- ents to enroll their children in school,” toring in Bong County. The Ministry of says Narma. Education has its team of monitors sta- In Liberia, perhaps the only country tioned throughout Liberia. All partners are where the older generation is more educat- present as the truck pulls up to Dorothy ed than the younger generation owing to It’s all smiles at Cooper Elementary school to off load the prolonged civil war, those Harry Potter lunch time WFP rations for the months of May and - type cauldrons are indeed magical. Rebecca Bannor-Addae/UNMIL

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 19 SANITATION

By Rebecca Bannor-AAddae

ith the Atlantic Ocean making up the shore to the south and the WWaatteerr,, Mesurado River to the north, the township of WestW Point is located on a narrow peninsula in the western part of Liberia’s capital, Monrovia. Home to some 40,000 residents during the pre-war days, the population in Water… the township swelled as a result of the Water… large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing to the capital city during the civil war. Today, with close to 75,000 residents, West Point bears the brunt of environmental problems wors- ened by the war. Walking down the narrow main road in West Point, it becomes evident that almost every inch of the peninsula is inhabited. Zinc shacks, makeshift shops, mountains of garbage and hordes of people compete for space. Strolling through the township, Wannie Hodo, the Health and Sanitation Officer for West Point Development Committee, talks of how the inadequate water supply and sanitation facilities pose a major problem for the densely populated community. “Water is life, without clean drinking water diseases run wild. During the war we had to drink whatever water was available to survive. In fact unclean water killed thousands of people during the war. Today we have pipe-borne water but the pressure is low and some days there is no water,” says Hodo. “We do have toilets now but it costs five Liberian dollars per visit. You see, that becomes expensive if one has diarrhoea.” West Point was amongst the first communities to benefit from basic social services in line with the government’s efforts to address the pressing needs of the country under the interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (iPRS). The township could boast of streetlights along the main street in September 2006. In April this year, the government commissioned four pipe- borne water units, each with six faucets. Although these are major develop- ments in West Point, the majority of residents continue to depend on alternative water sources due to low pressure in the newly installed pipes. Some families have

20 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 private wells but most people rely on the ties of partners involved on a national Zwedru [the county capitals of Margibi vendors with the push-carts that sell water level. The Cluster meets on a monthly and Grand Gedeh counties]. This will for a tidy profit. “We pay between 15-25 basis for joint assessments and monitor- make us operate at 30 per cent pre-war Liberian dollars per gallon. The price ing. capacity,” says N. Hun-Bu Tulay, Director varies according to the need and we cannot “Despite the numerous partners and of LWSC. Prior to the war, LWSC sup- be sure that the water is clean. Sometimes contractors working on water and sanita- plied piped water to urban centres in 9 of it is drawn from contaminated wells or tion in Liberia, it will take time. Funding is the 15 counties but the water and sanita- streams,” says Wannie Hodo. of course a limiting factor but even if we tion infrastructure entirely collapsed under Only 32 per cent of households in had all the funding necessary, it would the weight of 14 years of conflict. Liberia have access to safe water and less take a number of years to complete what “Now, water and sanitation are con- than five per cent have proper sanitation. needs to be done. The capacity for imple- nected. But all over the world you’ll see Water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea mentation is another real factor,” says that very little is spent on sanitation. Yes, and cholera are common conditions and, Kabuka Banda, Project Officer for Water it’s pleasant to work with water and it’s not in a country with just 120 doctors to an and Sanitation, UNICEF. so pleasant to work with sewage, human estimated 3.5 million people, this can Today the government-owned Liberia waste. Not only that, there is very little prove life threatening. Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) revenue connected with sanitation,” says Diarrhoea, a result of unclean drinking Tulay, referring to the lack of priority gen- water and lack of hygiene, causes 22 per erally attributed to the sector of sanitation. cent of deaths in children under five. The Densely populated West Point suffers World Health Organization (WHO) from lack of toilet facilities. The 18 public responds to outbreaks of diarrhoea accord- toilets available in the township do not ing to a contingency plan established by meet the demands of the community. the government, other UN agencies and Additionally, the cost associated with vis- various NGOs. Apart from tracking dis- iting the toilet is higher than what many eases and providing treatment for the sick, Rebecca Bannor-Addae/UNMIL families can afford. As a result, most peo- the contingency plan involves preventive ple do their toilet visits on the beach or on measures such as supplying chlorination the river shore, which also serves as disinfectants for household water and con- garbage dump sites. This leads to high ducting nationwide hygiene awareness incidence of diarrhoea, swarms of flies campaigns. carrying infectious diseases and sewerage “Waterborne diseases are an endemic entering the under ground water levels problem in the country at the moment. contaminating private wells, which in turn However, when the rainy season comes means a rise in cholera infection. the endemic becomes pandemic, different The World Bank has allocated US$ water bodies wash up and contaminate 7.02 million for sanitation work in streams and wells that people drink from. Monrovia through 2010. The funds are What we have to remember is that until we made available through UNDP as part of deal with the problems of unsafe drinking the Emergency Infrastructure Project water and poor sanitation, we will contin- aimed at rehabilitating public toilets, ue to have these problems. At best we will dump sites, sewerage and drainage as well be acting as fire fighters -- an epidemic A billboard encourages hygiene as solid waste clean-up. occurs, we stop it,” says Dr. Eugene A. operates one out of ten water treatment Worldwide, an estimated 2.6 billion Nyarko, WHO Representative in Liberia. plants in the country supplying Monrovia people live without basic sanitation servic- Close to 95 local and international and the vicinity. The plant is working on es resulting in a disastrous impact on glob- NGOs and UN agencies work in the field 18 per cent design capacity up from seven al health and social development. of water and sanitation in Liberia. The in January 2006. Areas of concentration Referring to the stark scenario, Secretary- capacity of these partners varies widely such as the JFK Hospital, the largest hos- General Ban Ki-moon recently said that depending on funding and human pital in Liberia, the Foreign Ministry and the situation is “simply unacceptable” resources but interventions include bore- University of Liberia today receive piped adding that efforts by UN agencies are just hole drilling, construction or rehabilitation water. part of the equation. “Real change of wells and latrines along side hygiene “The plant was massively looted dur- demands resources, commitment, policy promotion. The Water and Sanitation ing the war and most equipment needs to changes and other concrete steps by gov- (WATSAN) Cluster chaired by the be replaced. The EU and the World Bank ernments, civil society and all stakehold- Ministry of Public Works in collaboration have made funds available for partial reha- ers,” he stressed. with UNICEF and four other government bilitation and this fiscal year we intend to The International Year of Sanitation ministries coordinate and support activi- extend our operations to Kakata and will be marked in 2008.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 21 SPORTS “The Best School of Life” By J. Wesley Washington Special Adviser to the United Nations boundaries of culture, religion and ethnic- Secretary-General on Sports for ity, sporting activities have proved to be ozens of sportsmen and Development and Peace. Together with effective in promoting peace, tolerance women, eager to get into Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and understanding. Reigniting dialogue the game they are about to Ogi was launching the “Sports for Peace” among nations, a table tennis match in play, line up at Monrovia’s tournament aimed at encouraging 1971 set the stage for the resumption of Antoinette Tubman Liberians, especially youth, to embrace diplomatic ties between China and the Stadium,D surrounded by hundreds of peo- and use sports in promoting peace, recon- United States. In 2000, both North and ple who have come to watch the teams bat- ciliation and development in the country South Korea merged their athletes into a tle for victory. A dignitary has travelled wrecked by nearly 15 years of brutal civil common team for the Sydney Olympic from afar to address them today. And they war. Games. all listen carefully as he extols the virtue of In a war-ravaged country with high “No doubt, sports offer a sense of sports. illiteracy and severe unemployment, belonging and connectivity that has been “Sport is the best school of life. In spreading the message of forgiveness and and can continue to be an instrument for sports you learn to win without thinking acceptance is a mammoth challenge. bringing our people together,” said you’re the best; you learn to lose without Soccer, a national passion, and other President Johnson Sirleaf, herself a sports thinking that’s the end. You learn to games such as kickball and volleyball enthusiast, during the launch of the tourna- respect your opponent; you learn to accept have become important tools in the ment. She urged all Liberians to look at the rules; you learn to accept the decision armoury of the United Nations Mission in sports as the key element in the assertion of the referee. You learn integration, fair Liberia (UNMIL) to bring together former of human values and in countering preju- play, courage, discipline.” foes in a spirit of reconciliation to foster dices and violence. “We must see sports as Inspiring the athletes is Adolf Ogi, a peace in the country. a means to help our traumatized citizens, former Swiss President who is currently By bringing people together across the especially our young ones to overcome our Amidst jubilation, memories of war are forgotten

22 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 It’s a proud moment for the winner experience of pain, fear and loss and to games provided a unique opportunity for ministry collaborated closely with reintegrate them into the mainstream of bringing counties, communities, and indi- UNMIL and other partners for the success- our national fabric.” viduals together. Loud microphones belted ful hosting of the tournament, praised the The Special Representative of the out messages of peace, reconciliation and international community and UNMIL that Secretary General, Alan Doss, said the recovery to thousands of spectators who saw the need for Liberians to be united in concept of “Sports for Peace” grew out of thronged to watch their favourite sports. In order to forge ahead and have sustainable the concern about young people who most addition, organizers used the events to peace. “This is only possible when we times are involved in conflicts. “Young carry out sensitization through the distri- interrelate and come together as one peo- people have been the perpetrators as well bution of leaflets in support of community ple,” she said, adding that the internation- as the victims of conflict,” he said, citing initiatives in creating awareness on al community decided to give support to the past conflicts in West Africa. “We were HIV/AIDS, rape, sexual exploitation and the government through sports because thinking about how we can help young other forms of gender-based violence. “sport is a unifying factor.” people get out of this cycle of violence and At the grand finale of the five-week The captain of the winning Grand I think nothing could be better or useful long tournament at the Antoinette Tubman Bassa County soccer team, Lester Moore than sports.” Stadium, Special Representative of the said the intent of the tournament was The tournament, initiated as a result of Secretary-General Alan Doss and remarkable and a splendid idea. efforts by UNMIL and the Liberian gov- Liberia’s Justice Minister Frances Johnson “However,” he said, “to add more spice ernment with support from the Morris presented trophies to the Grand and enthusiasm to the competition, I’m International Olympic Committee (IOC) Bassa, Montserrado and Grand Cape suggesting that there shouldn’t be only a and several sporting associations and non- Mount counties, winners in soccer, kick- trophy to play for, rather additional incen- governmental organizations, brought ball and volleyball respectively. tives should be available.” together teams from all the 15 counties of Minister Johnson Morris, who repre- A musical jamboree bringing together the country in the first week of March. The sented the Liberian President, applauded prominent Liberian artists from home and IOC donated a container-load of sporting the winning teams and encouraged abroad crowned the day’s celebrations goods and equipment valued at over Liberians to use sports to advance peace amidst loud messages of peace and recon- US$76,000 for the organization of the and reconciliation in their communities. ciliation. Though the scars of a bloody games. “Sporting activities can be undertaken to brutal civil war takes time to heal, More than 30 games in soccer, kickball build, promote and sustain peace,” she Liberia’s healing process has begun in and volleyball were played in various sec- stressed. earnest -- from the soccer, kickball and tors of the country, bringing together ex- Youth and Sports Minister, Mrs. volleyball fields across the nation. combatants and community residents. The Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, whose

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 23 INFRASTRUCTURE

MMoorree LLiigghhtt TTooddaayy,, BBiigg LLiigghhtt TToommoorrrrooww

By Sulaiman Momodu “The Emergency Power Project 1, or tomorrow,” explains Monika Hencsey, EPP 1, was about turning on the lights but Head of Operations of the European iberia’s Independence Day EPP 2 is about keeping them on and Commission (EC), the organization that last year, celebrated on 26 took the lead in EPP1 and is also one of July, was more than special. Before the war broke out in the major partners in EPP 2. The darkness that had for In EPP 1, the government of Liberia many years become the hall- 1989, Monrovia and other signed an agreement with the EC and the Lmark of its capital, Monrovia, was partly parts of Liberia enjoyed 24- governments of Ghana and the United chased away as electricity supply was hours electricity. However, States for the project worth seven million restored to some parts of the city on that dollars. The United Nations Mission in day. The challenge was so formidable that, with the Mount Coffee Hydro Liberia offered assistance with logistics by despite many residents wishing to have Plant which used to provide providing cranes and trucks to help trans- power supply in their homes and business- power to Monrovia in ruins port heavy equipment to project sites as es, only parts of the city could see the well as machines for drilling and breaking light. and the Bong Mine rocks. Nearly one year after the lights were Company which also pro- For EPP 2, Liberia signed a switched on in the two neighbourhoods of vided power completely Memorandum of Understanding with the Congo Town and Kru Town in addition to Government of Norway, EC, USAID, and some streetlights in line with President destroyed, going back to the the World Bank in December last year. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s “150-day deliver- pre-wwar days is clearly an Liberia also has made its own contribu- ables,” efforts are now underway to extend uphill task. tions to both programmes. the Emergency Power Project (EPP) to EPP 2, worth about US$ 24 million other parts of the city. That will mean an including diesel generators that are being increase of output from the current 2.7 extending power…it is small light in provided by the Norwegian government as megawatts to 7.9 megawatts. EPP1, more light in EPP2 and big light grant to the Liberian government, is

24 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 Photos/World Bank Photos/World Power generation work in progress expected to provide electricity to more of Harry T. Yuan, Managing Director of also provided power completely downtown Monrovia, more public facili- the Liberia Electricity Corporation, points destroyed, going back to the pre-war days ties, and more streetlights in the crime- out that the power provided is not for prof- is clearly an uphill task. prone Paynesville suburb and Bushrod it. “We are not looking for profit – we just Between EPP2 and until a permanent Island. More private consumers and busi- want to provide power for now and look solution can be found in the next five nesses will benefit from EPP2. Already for operational maintenance,” he stresses. years, there would be a private provider two generators of 400kW each have been This means that for the project to be self that will fill in the gap, according to EC installed in Paynesville. sustainable, the charges collected should and LEC officials. The International Although EPP1 was not initially cover operating costs. Finance Corporation (IFC), the private intended to provide electricity to public Soon after the EPP1 was switched on, sector arm of the World Bank Group, facilities and small businesses, as of 27 the John F. Kennedy hospital recorded dis- signed an advisory mandate with the gov- February this year, 98 private residences proportionately high consumption. The ernment of Liberia in February to support have also been connected to the network. mystery was solved when it was discov- the redevelopment of the country’s elec- The EPP Coordinator at the EC in Liberia, ered that at least one welding shop had tricity infrastructure by attracting private Yrjo Honkanen, says public facilities such illegally connected to the lines. There is investment into the sector. as schools operate during the day and that now vigorous monitoring of the network When will the whole of Monrovia and the load at night was significantly less, to reduce incidents of power theft and cur- most parts of Liberia enjoy 24-hour elec- leading to the decision to provide electric- rently the power losses are within range tricity? “It is a gradual process,” says EC’s ity to some residential areas. In the two and are technical, according to LEC. Honkanen. Meanwhile, those already connected to the network are constantly neighbourhoods where EPP1 began, 30 Before the war broke out in 1989, reminded through jingles aired on local health facilities are provided with power. Monrovia and other parts of Liberia radio stations about what they are expect- Others are 18 schools, 19 mosques and enjoyed 24-hours electricity. However, ed to do. “Keep your lights on – pay your churches, 11 ministries and agencies of the with the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant which bills – go to the Liberia Bank for government, 22 offices, 16 NGOs and 239 used to provide power to Monrovia in Development and Investment (LBDI) and businesses. ruins and the Bong Mine Company which pay there!”

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 25 COUNTY SUPPORT Civic Education to Strengthen Local Leadership

By Rebecca Bannor-AAddae development in their communities and on a decentralization strategy, recognising causes funds to disappear. The group also that sustainable peace requires placing the nside a courthouse in Voinjama, agrees that people shy away from partici- interest of the people at the centre of capital of Lofa County, 120 local pating in decision-making when leaders do development planning. residents closely follow a drama not command their respect. The skit is part The decentralization efforts draw sig- skit. The theme of the skit is no less of a workshop aimed at enhancing aware- nificant support from the UN County than sublime: ‘Transparency and ness of civic responsibilities among the Support Teams (CSTs) through the UN IAccountability.’ local population. family that works closely with local gov- As the drama ends, participants form Most of the infrastructure and basic ernment authorities and traditional leaders. four groups around individual tables social services in Liberia are located in the The CST mechanism is a process fash- where a question is placed at the centre. capital city, Monrovia, and a few other ioned as a coherent UN approach to ‘How has the lack of transparency caused urban centres. The consequences are ubiq- strengthen the government’s recovery problems for your community? Discuss!’ uitous -- gross disparity in living standards process under the four pillars: expanding says the question facing group 3. A debate among the urban and rural population as peace and security, revitalizing economic follows before making a presentation shar- well as exclusion of the vast majority of activity, rebuilding infrastructure and pro- ing their views with the rest. people from political decision-making. viding basic services, and strengthening Group 3 unanimously concludes that This reality is not lost on Liberia’s new governance and the rule of law. the lack of transparency slows down government, which is currently working The hurdles on the way to achieving

26 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 needs. Power was concentrated at the cen- want to be reminded, but the vast majority tral level and we did not know that govern- of participants see this as an eye opener.” ment was supposed to belong to every- There are only seven female partici- one,” confesses Kortimai. pants in the Civic Education workshop in “The new government has decided to Voinjama reflecting a past trend of exclu- decentralize, starting from the bottom to sive male dominated leadership in Liberia. the top, and slowly the population is being However, the new government is striving Rebecca Bannor-Addae/UNMIL sensitized to the fact that we are all part of to introduce gender equality in social and the process. What belongs to the govern- political life. One of the eight civic educa- ment belongs to us and people are starting tion modules of the workshop deals with to believe they are important in society,” ‘Gender and Governance.’ says the Superintendent, standing outside A clan chief of Lofa has a question: the Voinjama courthouse where he has “Do we have children for the govern- been participating in the civic education ment?” “No,” answers the other partici- workshop for the Lofa County leadership. pants in unison. “A man has just two small From civic responsibilities and leader- compounds but six wives and twenty chil- ship to national identity, universal human dren. Now, does he have the resources it rights and environmental protection, the takes for them to become something workshops cover a vast array of topics in tomorrow? We keep saying the govern- eight modules. The government, UN and ment should give us this, give us that, but NGOs have worked closely with the we need to be able to take care of our- Liberian Institute for Public selves and we are here today to build our Administration to devise a two-day inter- own capacity. Women need to be part of active workshop model combining drama our decision-making and we need to do skits, discussion and plenary presenta- family planning,” the clan chief lets off tions. The workshop is designed to cater to steam before he sits down. a broad spectrum of local leadership com- “It is about the quality of thinking. ing from wide ranging educational back- Accountability and transparency needs to grounds. Approximately 40 per cent of be in place if the country is to embark local leaders in Lofa County are illiterate. upon sustainable development. The civic “One has to come down to the level of education workshop is important because the participants. We speak in a language it serves as an interactive context promot- that is understood by everyone and we use ing civic duty and governance,” says Eric humour. The atmosphere has to be friend- Hubbard, a Civil Affairs expert of UNMIL ly,” says J. S. Cammue, a journalist by and CST Alternate Facilitator for Lofa profession, who works as a facilitator at County. Collection of data from partici- the nationwide civic education workshops. pants of the civic education workshops “In the workshops people are allowed to will form the basis for a capacity needs meaningful decentralization in Liberia are talk about those things that can sometimes assessment to guide further training as part many. Top on the list is the sheer lack of be embarrassing. Of course it is a painful of the CST project. awareness among the vast majority of the exercise to some people and some do not population. A series of civic education workshops conducted in March and April this year in all the 15 counties of Liberia, The CST project has three areas of focus: spearheaded by a CST project, addressed the urgent need to enhance awareness of Functionality of administrative buildings, led by UNMIL Civil Affairs. civic responsibilities among the people. Capacity building amongst local leadership, led by UNDP. Local superintendents, mayors, chiefs, line Information and data management capacity at the county level, led by National ministry representatives and community Information Management Centre/UNDP. leaders attended the two-day workshops. When he was a young boy, Galakpai The CST project is administrated by UNDP and managed by the Joint Steering Kortimai, now the Superintendent of Lofa Committee co-chaired by Minister of Internal Affairs and UNMIL Deputy SRSG, County, did not know what or who the Jordan Ryan. country’s government was. “In the past government used to sit in Monrovia decid- Funding for the CST project is provided by the Swedish and Irish governments and ing for the people without knowing their UNDP, amounting to US$ 2.3 million.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 27 HEALTH

Liberia marks World AIDS Day Battle Against AIDS By Sulaiman Momodu from being promiscuous and I was not ple living with the HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), always using condoms. There is no need to Howard says some people still don’t hen 36-year-old pretend about it.” believe when he tells them that he is HIV Roosevelt Howard positive. “They even say we have been was told one day in paid to go public and tell people that we April, 2004, that he A Global Fund grant of over are HIV positive. Others provoke us or was HIV positive, his US$ 12 million to support treat us with contempt.” pastW life flashed before him abruptly. At the association’s office in down- the HIV/AIDS programme in Shocked and dazed, Howard, then a stu- town Monrovia, Howard is joined by one dent at the University of Liberia, thought Liberia was signed on 6 of their members, Kpannah Jallah. To a death was beckoning as he felt the whole March this year with a goal warm handshake, Jallah discloses that she world was crashing around him. to reduce the incidence of was the first person to break the silence on Three years after he was tested posi- HIV and AIDS in Liberia in 2002 and is a tive, Howard, still a healthy-looking HIV, stabilize its prevalence founding member of the Light young man, is today an anti-HIV/AIDS rate and provide care and Association, established the same year by campaigner helping people to prevent treatment for those already the National AIDS Control Programme themselves from catching the virus and (NACP). The association’s membership educating those already infected how to affected. has grown from the initial 17 to 400 as it live positively. But how did he get the endeavours to fight against the stigma virus? “I will put it down to sex. I can tell Currently the vice president of the associated with the disease, create aware- anybody any day that I think I got infected Light Association, an association of peo- ness, and provide care and support.

28 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 Another member of the association is (NACP). Since then, over 1,000 people are officers and 1,000 police officers who Joejoe Baysah, who currently works as a reported to have died of the dreaded dis- rotate every six months, and hundreds of counsellor in the HIV/AIDS Unit of the ease. However, some medical personnel civilian staff, the unit visits schools, uni- United Nations Mission in Liberia suggest that the figure is grossly underes- versities, religious bodies and other public (UNMIL). Baysah, in his late thirties, goes timated as many people do not want others places from time to time to carryout sensi- to wherever UN military and civilian to know that their loved ones died of the tization activities. Several religious lead- peacekeepers are present throughout disease. ers, media practitioners and community- Liberia to narrate his experience and to NACP, established in 1987, has set up based organizations have benefited from provide counselling on how to live with 10 anti-retro viral drug centres and eight the unit’s capacity building activities so the virus. Voluntary Counselling Testing (VCT) cen- far. According to Col. Joyce Puta, Head of tres across Liberia and supplies drugs free UNAIDS, the joint UN programme on the HIV/AIDS Unit, Baysah’s role is “very of cost to patients. Latest figures from HIV/AIDS, chairs the Technical Working cardinal” in the mission’s HIV/AIDS pre- VCT centres indicate that more people are Group composed of technical staff of all vention strategy. “There is no effective or testing positive for the virus with some UN agencies having something to do with comprehensive HIV programme without centres recording 10-15 positive cases per the pandemic. It is currently identifying the involvement of people living with month. “The challenge ahead is huge,” gaps in the fight against AIDS so that HIV,” she confides. Describing him as an says an official of NACP. stakeholders can address them. ‘Ambassador of hope,’ Col. Puta says Col. Puta debunks the widely held per- A few of UNMIL’s peacekeepers have Baysah’s testimony to people been repatriated because of living with the virus makes full blown AIDS and some them realize that it is not the have even died of the disease. end of the world. Although pre-deployment A military officer from testing helps, people who are Zambia who had also served in tested negative may not be the UN mission in East Timor, properly counselled on how to Col. Puta stresses that Baysah stay negative. “Negative status offers living proof that HIV is not permanent. It is very positive people can live posi- easy to change negative to tively, contribute effectively to positive, so we encourage all national development and peacekeepers to come forward enjoy life without putting other to our VCT centres and do the people at risk. Baysah, who test even if you had done the openly declared his status in test before and were nega- 2003, advises those who are tive,” says Col. Puta. HIV negative to guard their Reiterating that peace- status jealously and reminds keepers are mandated to help them that it is not good to be and should not molest, exploit taking anti-retro viral drugs or abuse those they serve, Col. everyday, twice daily, as he Puta stresses that sex is not an does. “When we go out on sen- emergency. “I have never seen sitization campaigns, no one an ambulance carrying a who does not know him sus- peacekeeper who had not had pects that one of our members An AIDS patient receives attention sex for six months and is about has the virus. It proves that looks are ception that peacekeepers greatly con- to die. Never! But I have seen an ambu- deceptive -- a person with HIV can still tribute to the spread of AIDS. Most troop lance with a peacekeeper with AIDS who look very attractive to you,” emphasizes contributing nations do pre-deployment is about to die, and that virus was probably Col. Puta. testing, she points out, and the majority of contracted through sex.” A 2006 anti-natal clinic survey carried peacekeepers come to the mission HIV A Global Fund grant of over US$ 12 out with the assistance of WHO and negative but some return home HIV posi- million to support the HIV/AIDS pro- UNDP put the prevalence rate of the dis- tive. “It is more of peacekeepers catching gramme in Liberia was signed on 6 March ease in Liberia at 5.7 per cent with people HIV in the mission area than vice versa,” this year with a goal to reduce the inci- between the ages of 15-24 being the most she maintains. dence of HIV, stabilize its prevalence rate affected. The HIV/AIDS Unit collaborates with and provide care and treatment for those The first case of AIDS was discovered the UN country team and the task force on already affected. Hopefully, Howard and in Liberia in 1986, according to the HIV/AIDS, the NACP and the Ministry of others living with the virus will benefit National AIDS Control Programme Health. Beyond catering to 15,000 military more from this grant.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 29 Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS By Adolphus Scott risk of denying them breast milk. During the first two months, a bottle-fed baby is n collaboration with the govern- nearly six times more likely to die from ment of Liberia, the United Nations diarrhoea, respiratory or other infections, Children’s Fund is currently sup- compared to a breastfed child, mostly porting five health centres in two because contaminated water is used in counties by making available drugs mixing the formula or bottles are unclean. Iand other services for pregnant women to “This is truly a remarkable effort by prevent mother-to-child transmission of UNICEF,” said Rev. Clarence R. Pearson HIV/AIDS. Sr., Project Coordinator at the Eternal “After speaking with health workers, I Love Winning Africa (ELWA) Hospital. was motivated to be tested for fear that my “The response by expecting mothers unborn child could contract HIV during is greatly improving by the delivery,” said Loretta Willie, 30, who had day. It is our hope that this given birth a few hours earlier. “One posi- programme is expanded tive effect of an expecting mother being to health facilities tested and getting to know her status is that throughout Liberia.” she can receive appropriate information on “In the past, we the best way to feed her baby.” did not offer this type In 2005, around 700,000 children of HIV testing and became infected with HIV around the treatment for our preg- world, mainly through mother-to-child nant mothers,” said transmission. About 90 per cent of such Paté Chon, head counsel- infections occurred in Africa where AIDS lor and supervisor of the is beginning to reverse decades of steady programme at ELWA. “It progress in child survival. HIV can be was difficult to prevent transmitted from an infected mother to her transmission then. Now, child during pregnancy, labour and deliv- with this support from ery, or through breastfeeding. There is a 35 UNICEF, we have the Unlike this happy and per cent chance that a pregnant HIV-posi- means of preventing healthy mother, many tive woman will transmit the virus to her mother to child trans- HIV-positive women in child if no preventative action is taken. mission of Liberia risk transmitting For HIV-positive mothers with limited HIV/AIDS here at the disease to their chil- income and poor access to clean water and ELWA.” dren. sanitation, the choice of whether to breast- feed or not can be a painful dilemma. New The writer is mothers must weigh the risk of passing on Programme Assistant the infection to their infants against the with UNICEF Liberia

30 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 President Johnson Sirleaf, flanked by Ambassador Donald Booth and Alan Doss, inaugurates a diamond certification office

Diamond Sanctions Lifted

n late April, the UN Security President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed Booth, playing the part of a miner and Council announced the lifting of appreciation to international partners, Doss serving as the broker who sold the the sanctions on Liberian dia- including UNMIL and the American gem (an ordinary stone) to the President monds, paving the way for one of Embassy in Liberia for the parts they who served as the dealer. The dealer then Liberia’s key national resources to played in the lifting of the diamond ban. went to the Government Diamond Office playI a part in kick-starting the country’s She noted that diamonds have been so (GDO) at the Ministry of Mines where, badly bruised economy. misused in this part of the African conti- after all the required processes, the ‘dia- Diamond exports have been a major nent that the UN had to impose sanctions mond’ was sealed and certificated. source of Liberia’s national income in the to protect the people. The Liberian leader The GDO at the Mines ministry in past. However, instead of contributing to pointed out that the sanctions were lifted Monrovia was also dedicated as tradition- national development and benefiting the under certain conditions and that “those al dancers and singers thronged outside the population, this precious natural resource conditions have to be met or Liberia runs office appealing to the authorities through fuelled conflicts in Liberia and the region, the risk of having the sanctions re- their songs to use diamonds for develop- and thus came to be known as “blood dia- imposed.” ment, and not for conflict. monds.” Special Representative Doss said that Liberia was admitted to the Kimberly It is to prevent Liberia’s natural as diamond mining was a hard way of Process just days after the diamond sanc- resources from feeding the war machines earning a living, those who participate in tions were lifted. The announcement was that ravaged the lives of millions of people the industry, and communities where the made by the European Commission, in the West African region that the Council precious stones are mined, should also be which currently chairs the Certification instituted sanctions on the country’s dia- allowed to enjoy some of the benefits Scheme. EU Commissioner for External monds and timber. The timber sanctions through initiatives such as “diamonds for Relations Benita Ferrero said Liberia's were lifted in June last year as the Council development.” admission into the Kimberley Process recognized the new government’s commit- The Minister of Lands, Mines and “shows the confidence of the international ment to transparent management of the Energy, Dr. Eugene H. Shannon, outlined community in Liberia's new path." country’s forestry resources following a internal measures and controls his ministry The Kimberley Process Certification number of reform initiatives. has instituted as recommended by the Scheme came into effect in January 2003. In less than a week after the diamond Kimberley Process Certification Scheme It requires governments to implement sanctions were lifted, Special (KPCS) regarding rough diamond exports import and export-control regimes that Representative of the Secretary-General and imports. He promised to communicate certify and control the trade in rough dia- Alan Doss handed over to the Liberian to the public about the procedures for the monds, and it creates a documentary trail government a regional diamond certifica- granting of licences, fees and other from the extraction to the polishing of dia- tion office funded by UNMIL’s Quick requirements to participate in the diamond monds. The KPCS originated from a meet- Impact Projects in Tubmanburg, Bomi sector as a miner, broker, dealer or ing of South African diamond producing County, some 50 kilometres west of the exporter. states in Kimberly, South Africa, in May capital, Monrovia. The diamond office is The process of dealing in diamonds 2000. The initiative now controls diamond one of ten spread throughout the country. was demonstrated to all at the ceremony production and importation in about 70 Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, with the American Ambassador, Donald countries. S. M.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 31 Action Plan Launched

By J. Wesley Washington ices must be maintained in the near future emergency activities and draw a line in the as a foundation for revival and growth. sand and say we’re now on to develop- espite the significant “The document brings together various ment. This can possibly will miss the point achievements scored by the humanitarian actors in Liberia to collec- that there are still thousands of people who Liberian government over tively extend our support to the govern- have real relief needs out there,” Mr. the past one year in moving ment of Liberia. It’s primarily to acknowl- Samways said. He reiterated that the coun- the nation along the path of edge the significant strides that are being try is far from being rebuilt to a position it recoveryD and rehabilitation, far too many made by the government and to commit was 14 years, pointing out that the Action Liberians remain in a state of high vulner- ourselves to do our share with regards to Plan brings out quite clearly the need for ability as a result of the extent of destruc- the sustainability of the humanitarian work on-going emergency activity. tion from 14 years of civil strife, according we are currently undertaking,” Kebede The CHAP, a strategic plan for human- to the 2007 Common Humanitarian Action pointed out. itarian response, reflects the challenges Plan (CHAP) launched in March. The strategic humanitarian priorities and includes additional actions to mini- “Though enshrined as basic rights for for 2007 include provision of basic social mize the gap between humanitarian action all, healthcare, safe water and appropriate services to vulnerable populations, revital- and development, as prioritized by the sanitation, shelter and education remain ization of returnee communities for securi- Inter-Agency Standing Committee. out of reach for the majority of Liberians. ty and productive livelihoods as well as The Deputy Minister of Health for Until rule of law institutions become fully strengthening the capacity of civil society Administration, Dr. Mohammed Sherif, functional, protection issues also remain a and local authorities. The sectors ear- acknowledged that currently there are crit- serious humanitarian concern,” the Action marked for priority include health, multi- ical problems as though the country is still Plan pointed out. sectoral, protection/human rights/rule of in an emergency phase. As the relief phase As a means to address these critical law, agriculture, water and sanitation, and gives way to the developmental stage, he humanitarian needs in Liberia, the United education. said NGOs are now winding down in the Nations and its international partners, On behalf of the NGO community, health sector and the government has iden- jointly with the Liberian government, Phil Samways of the Monitoring and tified the upcoming gaps. launched an appeal to raise US$117,000 to Steering Group (MSG) said the interna- People still need to have access to support the 2007 Action Paln. tional non-governmental organizations quality health care, they still need to have Launching the 2007 CHAP in the con- remain totally committed to continuing the access to water and sanitation; they still ference room of the Humanitarian delivery of relief support to the many poor need to have access to primary education,” Coordination Section, Acting and vulnerable people in the country as Dr. Sherif said. For this, the 2007 Humanitarian Coordinator Mengesha well as supporting the government through Common Humanitarian Action Plan Kebede said the government’s efforts to this transition period. awaits international support. make major improvements in social serv- “You do not move through relief and

32 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 UN Family Executive Boards Visit Liberia By Rebecca Bannor-AAddae society, as well as the senior leadership Another stop for the team was the and various sections of UNMIL. Two days Monrovia Vocational Training Centre iberia is becoming a were reserved for site visits to inspect pro- (MVTC), a government-owned institution model nation.” gramme work in Bomi, Lofa, Montserrado established in 1980 to provide vocational Paulette Bethel, and Nimba counties. skills training for youth. As a result of the Executive Board In Montserrado County the team visit- 14-year civil conflict, the institution was member of UNICEF ed the Star of the Sea Health Centre locat- vandalized and all equipment looted. “Land Ambassador of Bahamas to the United ed in West Point, Monrovia. Established in Since the end of the conflict the centre, Nations, is addressing the media at the end 1986, the clinic serves the nearly 75,000 with initial food assistance from WFP and of a week-long visit to Liberia. Bethel is inhabitants of the community. It is a hectic funding from UNDP, has trained over the team leader of a 19-member delegation schedule for the small staff as they offer 2,000 former combatants in a dozen trade representing the Executive Boards of four emergency and lab services, TB pro- areas, including general mechanics, elec- UN funds and programmes -- UNICEF, grammes, vaccinations and counselling on trical installations, tailoring and graphic UNDP, UNFPA and WFP. The representa- various health-related issues. Together design. The team visited the numerous tives are visiting with UNICEF, the clinic has trained 12 workshops of MVCT, engaging the stu- Liberia to witness at dents who also com- first hand the delivery prise non-combatant result of programme youth seeking to activities countrywide. enhance chances of “Despite the enor- employment. mous challenges fac- The team conducting the Liberian peo- ed a host of site visits ple as the country to inspect programme moves from humani- work in hospitals, tarian emergency to schools, training cen- development, we want tres and police units in to commend the four addition to meeting UN funds and pro- with country support grammes on the teams of the four coun- exceptional work they ties. Summing up the are doing in Liberia week-long visit, team and the cordial and leader Bethel said the supportive relation- funding gap that may ship that exists Members of the Executive Boards meet with President Johnson Sirleaf occur in humanitarian between the govern- interventions between ment and the integrated UN mission in volunteers to work in the community sen- now and 2009 was an issue of concern. Liberia,” Bethel observed. As the govern- sitizing the population on the risks and “We’re encouraged about the clear ing bodies, the Executive Boards are dangers of HIV/AIDS. consolidation of the ongoing peace and responsible for providing inter-govern- Three walk-in centres in West Point, security process in the country and the mental supervision of the activities of UN established just two days prior to the positive implications this is having – and funds and programmes and, in order to team’s visit, had already tested over a hun- will have – for the region. We recognize better understand the work carried out in dred people. “This programme was made that the international community needs to the field, they conduct annual joint visits possible via the collaborative partnership continue its engagement in Liberia. It is to various countries. with UN agencies; initially WFP, UNDP now our duty to report back to our respec- During their visit the team members and the Global Fund. Now we are fully tive Boards, encouraging the continuation met with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf funded by UNICEF. We all have a com- of the collaboration with the government and other senior government officials. mon enemy: the disease,” says a doctor at of Liberia as the country moves from post- They also held meetings with representa- the clinic, proud of the initial success of conflict to development,” Bethel conclud- tives of the private sector and the civil the walk-in centres. ed.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 33 Jordan Ryan hands over the vehicles to the LNP More Assets for Liberian Police leaming in the searing sun, LNP come increased responsibility and Protection Section. Most of the rest will be a fleet of 11 blue-and-white accountability. used in Montserrado County, comprising coloured new Nissan pick- Ryan pointed out that vehicles alone Monrovia and its suburbs, that normally up vans parked in front of don’t make a good police force and records the highest crime rate among all the Liberian National expressed the hope that the donation and the counties of Liberia. PoliceG (LNP) headquarters in Monrovia previous donations by other people and Recently, UNDP donated 22 motorcy- one day in late March drew everyone’s partners will be used to best deliver servic- cles under the Small Arms Project and admiration. On the vans were inscribed the es to the Liberian people. He reiterated made available nine Toyota 4 Runners words, “Serve and Protect.” But in serving that the police “must be one that the peo- while Nigeria donated 12 vehicles in addi- the people of Liberia and protecting their ple can trust, that they can feel protected tion to firearms for use by the police. lives and property, a major handicap of the by” and the LNP administration to ensure Other countries who have offered assis- LNP has been the lack of adequate mobil- that appropriate measures are put in place tance to the newly trained Liberian police ity. The donation of 11 vehicles by the to properly use and maintain the vehicles. include China, Norway, UK and USA. government of Netherlands therefore is a “As you manage these resources effective- Several UNMIL Quick Impact Projects welcome relief as it will help Liberia’s ly, we do hope more will come,” he said. have also been implemented in many parts new police force to carry out their activi- A visibly delighted Inspector-General of Liberia to construct new police stations ties better, especially in responding to of LNP, Beatrice Munah Sieh, expressed or renovate existing ones. crime in a timely manner. gratitude to the donors for their over- Meanwhile, a Nigerian police officer Handing over the vehicles to the whelming support in prioritizing the secu- serving with UNMIL, Aliyu Abubakar, has Liberian government, Deputy Special rity of the state and pointed out that the personally donated sets of uniforms and Representative of the Secretary-General donations will enhance the work of the accoutrements worth US$7,000 to the Jordan Ryan extended thanks and appreci- police. LNP. The donation by Abubakar, who had ation to the government of the The Government of the Netherlands also served in the UN mission in Kosovo, Netherlands. “We are very grateful for this has so far contributed over US$2 million was in fulfillment of a promise he made donation which is just the first of 22 vehi- to the restructuring and equipping of the last July when the LNP launched an appeal cles,” he said. He also reminded that with LNP. Two of the 11 donated vehicles were to the public for assistance. the increased mobility and visibility of the allocated for use by the Women and Child S. M.

34 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 NEWS BRIEFS IMF Predicts Surge in Economic Growth uoyed by the expected tural sector, and the donor-funded expen- the end of March 2007. “In particular, rev- revival of mining, forestry ditures in the country. A similar growth enues continue to exceed the programme and agricultural sectors, rate is projected for 2007,” said Robert targets by a significant margin. This posi- Liberia’s economic growth Powell, head of the IMF team. tive outcome reflects the government's during the next five years During the visit, the IMF team met continued efforts, with the support of the willB average around 11 per cent, well over with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, international community, to strengthen the the average rate for sub-Saharan Africa, Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh, tax system, including improvements in according to a team of experts from the Central Bank officials and members of the revenue administration and enforcement.” International Monetary Fund that visited legislature and the donor community, Further support and training is being the country in early April. A statement among others. The discussions centred on provided to government ministries to released at the end of the team’s visit how- key objectives, including maintaining expedite the implementation of their ever said Liberia’s huge external debt is macroeconomic stability, further strength- approved spending plans. Implementation “clearly unsustainable” and called for a ening public financial management and of the government's domestic debt resolu- comprehensive debt relief. the banking sector, and implementing tax tion strategy has commenced, and the gov- “Liberia's economic recovery contin- reform, the anti-corruption, and domestic ernment has also broadened and updated ues to strengthen, and medium term debt resolution strategies that were devel- the consumer price index to give a more prospects have improved. In 2006, real oped in 2006, the statement said. accurate measure of inflation, the state- GDP growth is estimated to have The IMF team said the government ment added. increased by 7.8 percent, driven mainly by had achieved most of benchmarks under construction, the recovery in the agricul- its Staff Monitored Programme through Ministry of Agriculture Gets Support

s part of its capacity build- Agriculture for overall project manage- ed to assist in the rebuilding of local coming support to the Ministry ment, monitoring and evaluation, they munities in Liberia thereby lowering of Agriculture under the said. social tensions and contributing to sustain- Human Security Fund, The government of Japan and the ing peace and security in the country. UNDP in late March hand- United Nations have been providing assis- Ursino highlighted the progress edA over a 4-wheel drive vehicle as well as tance to Liberia through the Trust Fund for achieved by the project since its launch in computers, office equipment and furniture Human Security toward a project entitled November 2006. He said the project has valued at US$57,840 to the Acting Rebuilding Communities in post-conflict trained village blacksmiths, trained farm- Minister of Agriculture, Lwopu Kandakai. Liberia - Empowerment for Change ers and provided tools and seeds to farm- The items were donated by the Japanese (RCPLEC). The project, implemented by ers. The project has been supporting the provision of basic services through reha- government. the Ministry of Agriculture, UNDP, FAO bilitation of social service infrastructure at Speaking during the handing over cer- and WFP, covers nine counties: Lofa, the community level such as school build- emony at the Ministry of Agriculture in Bomi, Bong, Maryland, Nimba, Gbapolu, ings, health clinics, roads and bridges. Sinkor, UNDP Country Director Steven Grand Cape, Grand Geddeh and River A total of 23 micro projects have been Ursino and Kandakai expressed gratitude Gee. approved and are ready for implementa- to the government of Japan for its contin- RCPLEC aims to support communi- tion while additional projects are under uing support for the rebuilding and recov- ties in restoring their livelihoods by consideration. In addition, the Human ery process in Liberia. Such logistics, encouraging their members to participate Security project has also supported the equipment and vehicle support would help in the decision making processes in the training of 41 District Development to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of reconstruction activities. It is also expect- Committees across Liberia.

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 35 NEWS BRIEFS UNDP Supports Resource Centre

midst continuing efforts to sad if the Liberian Legislature were not collaboration" leading to the purchase of support capacity building able to tap into that body of knowledge the items. A member of the joint in Liberia, the United and make use of it." Expressing thanks to Legislative Modernization Committee, Nations Development the joint Legislative Modernization John Ballout, said dialogue was in Programme in April handed Committee for setting up the framework progress with partners, especially UNMIL overA to the Liberian National Legislature and playing a key role in putting together and UNDP, to implement a scholarship various items valued at US$56,880 for a programmes of support and capacity programme for university students who resource centre that would enable the law- building, Doss stressed that "a successful would be deployed to work with their var- makers to do research and enhance their democracy needs a successful legislature." ious committees as interns "in a win-win work. The centre will be set up at the Kamil Kamaluddeen of UNDP said the situation that will expose them to the Capitol building, the seat of the items would assist in legislative drafting, working of the Legislature, while assisting Legislature. support committee procedures and admin- the committees in their legislative work." The items include 10 desktop comput- istrative work of the law making body. Last October, the Liberian legislature ers, two photocopiers, two air condition- "This is a promise made and this is a received two grants from the United ers, four printers, a 22.5 KVA generator promise delivered. I am very happy that Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and a set of recent editions of the Liberian this is done in the context of overall UN totalling nearly half a million US dollars. Law Reports and Liberian Code of support to the recovery process in The two grants included the Legislative Revised Laws. Liberia." Assuring the law makers of Study Grant Programme of $120,000, At the handover ceremony in UNDP's continued support, Kamaluddeen which is to last for two years and is intend- Monrovia, the Special Representative of expressed the hope that the contribution ed to strengthen the professionalism of the the Secretary-General, Alan Doss, would strengthen dialogue, law making, Legislature and encourage the participa- described the items as a "worthwhile con- and partnership and cooperation among tion of youth in the democratic process, tribution" that would help the legislators the various arms of government. and the project, "Building a National carry out their work. "In today's world The Acting Speaker of the National Integrity Framework for Liberia," amount- where so much information is available at Legislature, Tokpa Mulbah, thanked ing to $360,000, to be implemented by the the touch of the keyboard, it would be very UNDP and UNMIL for their "excellent Governance Reform Commission. UNDP-Global Fund Grant to Fight HIV/AIDS

he United Nations HIV/AIDS in Liberia and support key and assist to prevent mother to child HIV Development Programme and interventions such as strengthening health transmission. the Global Fund signed a systems and national HIV/AIDS pro- The grant will also help enhance US$12m grant agreement late grammes in the country. awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention meth- March to fight the spread of The grant will allow for capacity ods and to reduce the stigma against the Tthe HIV/AIDS virus in all the 15 counties building of the Ministry of Health and desease through Behaviour Change of Liberia over the next two years. Social Welfare as well as the public and Communication methods and provide The agreement is expected to build on private health facilities at the county and increased care and support for people existing public and private health sector district levels. It will also help expand the already living with HIV/AIDS and their interventions to reduce the burden of voluntary counselling and testing services families.

Correction

In our story on the visit to Liberia of Chinese President Hu Jintao (pictured) in the last issue of UNMIL FOCUS (Vol. 3, No 2), we erroneously described him as the President of the Republic of China. Hu Jintao is the President of the People’s Republic of China. The error is regretted – Editor.

36 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 PEACEKEEPERS

The Philippines Contributes to Peace in Liberia

By J. Wesley Washington nine security posts at the Logistics Base progress and development in Liberia,” he and the Staff Officers Accommodation at said. he peacekeepers from the Star Base on a 24-hour basis. A small The Special Representative of the Republic of Philippines form group of the contingent provides efficient Secretary General, Alan Doss, has on sev- the 12th largest group among clerical services to the different staffs at eral occasions praised the Philippines con- the 48 troop contributing the Force Headquarters and the Logistics tingent’s professionalism and dedication countries to the United Base of the mission. to the mission. TNations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Since their deployment over three The Philippines, one of the 50 original Barely a month after the commencement years ago, the Filipino contingent has ren- signatories of the UN Charter, has a long of peacekeeping operations in Liberia, the dered invaluable services to the Mission. tradition of contributing to peace and secu- first contingent of 145 Filipino soldiers “We have been doing our job smoothly, rity throughout the world since the early was deployed in the country on 2 established good relations with other con- years of UN’s existence. The country first November 2003. tingents and with the community where began its participation in peacekeeping Now the seventh contingent, the we live,” said the Filipino Commander, operations when it contributed Military Filipino soldiers provide a significant con- Francisco Patrimonio. Observers to the United Nations Truce tribution to the overall efforts of UNMIL Col. Patrimonio said his troops, even Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in the in terms of security and clerical support to though far away from home, have enjoyed Middle East in 1948. the mission’s leadership and force head- their work in Liberia. He said they appre- To date, the Philippines have partici- quarters. This contingent has a total ciate their mission and understand the pated in a total of 26 missions including in strength of 165 personnel including 15 importance of their contribution to the Burundi, Cyprus, Lebanon, Cambodia, female soldiers. overall peacekeeping efforts of UNMIL. Western Sahara, Georgia, Sierra Leone, The contingent’s security and defense “The Filipino contingent feels proud of and Ethiopia and Eritrea. Currently platoons are tasked primarily to provide its contribution to peace and progress in Filipino peacekeepers (Military, Police security to the senior leadership of the Liberia. The contingent might be small as and MILOBS) are deployed in Liberia, mission. In addition, the contingent main- compared to the other troop contributing Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti, East Timor, Sudan tains three vital posts around UNMIL’s countries, nevertheless, we believe we and Kosovo. Headquarters at the Pan African Plaza and give our share for the attainment of peace,

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 37 LLiibbeerriiaann H O W C A N W E S T O P M O B The issue of the rights of those accused of crimes is something the average Liberian does not understand. He prefers taking the justice system in his hand which results to mob violence. However, to reduce mob violence, we must understand the root cause and then educate the populace on the need to abide by the rule of law.

Alfred K. D. Konnah (Job Seeker) Mob violence is on the increase all because people are taking situations in their own hands as they are not satisfied with the police and jus- Public education is very important tice system. The public needs to be for Liberians to become aware of a little more educated on the dan- the effects of mob violence. It is also gers of mob violence. Likewise, the very important that we educate public needs to exhibit a little more Liberians that mob violence is not patience in their action against the way to go in solving problems criminals and allow them to have that have to do with theft or other- their day in court. wise. The best option is to trust our Christian T.G. Tabla justice system, though it’s difficult to do so in most instances. (Human Resource Manager) Yatta Kamara (Housewife)

The population needs to be sensitized that they should not necessarily take the law into their hands. The police are there, the courts are there and people should channel their grievances through the proper authority. We agree that there are times that people get frustrated with the law, when they want police to I would prefer that to reduce mob come to their aid and the police violence, people at the scene aren’t available. That doesn’t neces- should investigate these suspects to sarily give them the cause to take ascertain the truth rather then the law into their hands. They must resorting to instant mob justice. learn that this is a new Liberia and people should begin to follow the Yatta Williams law. (Student, United Methodist Bendu Nimley (Journalist) University)

38 UNMIL FOCUS March - May 2007 SSppeeaakk B V I O L E N C E I N L I B E R I A ? The government needs to educate the populace that if they are aggrieved there is a course of justice. I would like the government to realize that it’s their responsibility to remind Liberians that mob violence is not the way to go to seek remedy. Rattee Flomo What I think should be done to (Student, AME University) decrease mob violence is that there should be more sensitization and education of the public. For the past I think the police needs to be given 14 years we have been through a weapons to effectively do their job. If civil crisis and most people believe they are adequately equipped, they that violence is the way out. As such can reduce the crime rate. For exam- they should be educated that the ple, if there is a call to the police rule of law is there to protect each requesting their presence at a crime of us. They should know that the scene, the police cannot just go there police is a friend to each and every empty-hhanded. If they are equipped, citizen so when there is a problem, I think they will be able to reduce they should go to the police and not mob violence. take the law in their hands. Suzette Blake (Student, AME University) Fatee Wollo-ZZeiglar (Administrative Secretary) To reduce mob violence in Liberia, police must be on top of the situation. When there is a cry from a citizen, the police must come around immediately and intervene instead of waiting to be called upon. Secondly, we as Liberians must educate others when they try to institute these kinds of actions. We must remind them that the rule of law is the best course of action. I would want a suspected rogue or Moses G. Sekou (Banker) anyone caught by a mob to be turned over to the police for investi- Those caught in acts of mob vio- gation to determine the truth of the Government needs to take a stand lence should be severely penalized allegation. You cannot catch a sus- against those who are involved in so as to deter others from engaging pect and just begin to beat or inflict mob violence so as to stop those in such actions. This is important injuries on him. It might cause a who think that by doing so, they are because once people continue to problem because you don’t know right. Also, these mob violators institute mob violence and go with whether the allegation against should know that where their rights impunity this encourages other to him/her is true or false. end someone else’s rights begin. engaRagtete ien Fsluocmh oacts. Anthony N. Gray George Rattio (Intern Broadcast (Student, AME University) (Photographer) Journalist, UNMIL Radio)

March - May 2007 UNMIL FOCUS 39 UNMIL FOCUS, Vol. 3, No. 03 A publication of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Public Information Office www.unmil.org