Vol. 9, No. 02 UN FOCUS December 2012 - February 2013

Liberia Hosts High Level Panel Vision 2030: A Pledge to Transform Liberia Liberia Launches First Justice and Security Hub Message from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General

In January, Liberia hosted a with UN support, to deliver the meeting of the High Level Panel of intended justice and security Eminent Persons addressing the services to the benefit of those most Post-2015 Development Agenda, in need. allowing the country to showcase its As the year progresses, UNMIL peaceful progress and its readiness will support the process of reviewing to engage with the rest of the world Liberia’s Constitution, which on global issues. The outcome of presents Liberians with a historic the meeting was agreement on a opportunity to create, or redefine, transformational agenda to achieve their common vision for their state, the Millennium Development Goals in ways that can have a lasting impact by 2015, and a single and cohesive on peace and stability. An inclusive post-2015 development agenda, and participatory consultative including sustainable growth and process, with an outcome that equity; creating wealth through reflects the wishes of all major sustainable and transparent stakeholders in Liberian society, will natural resource management; imbue the Constitution with popular and partnerships in pursuit of a legitimacy. As such, both the process ast year drew to a close with common agenda. The UN and our and the end result will play a central a series of notable accom- international partners will play a role in peacebuilding, state-building plishments. In December, role in supporting this agenda in and democratic governance in the Government launched Liberia, and beyond. Liberia. the National Vision 2030, a In February, the UN and the Support for the implementation Lblueprint for Liberia’s development, Government officially launched of the Strategic Roadmap for which articulates Liberia’s the UN One Programme, a joint National Healing, Peacebuilding economic and social aspirations. initiative to unify their development and Reconciliation will also be a In conjunction with the launch, interventions and ‘Deliver as UN priority this year. It remains President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf One’ under a common strategic as important as ever that the introduced the Strategic Roadmap framework, aligned with the underlying divisions in Liberia’s past for National Healing, Peacebuilding Agenda for Transformation and the are reconciled to further consolidate and Reconciliation and the Agenda National Vision 2030. February also the unbroken peace Liberians have for Transformation, which, together, witnessed the inauguration of the enjoyed for nearly a decade. will chart a path for the country Justice and Security Hub in Gbarnga, I am optimistic that together, to realize its economic, social and by President Johnson Sirleaf. The we can achieve what the people of political goals by 2030. Partnership first of five such regional hubs, the Liberia deeply desire – a peaceful, between the Government and all event marked an important step prosperous and democratic nation sectors of society are essential in the extension of state authority that upholds the rule of law and for the success of this ambitious and improving access to justice offers all its citizens opportunities agenda. The UN family in Liberia throughout the country. Support to benefit from the dividends of a remains steadfast in our support to from the UN Peacebuilding Fund hard-fought peace. the people of Liberia, as they make enabled the Hub’s development. It their vision a reality. will now be incumbent on Liberia,

Karin Landgren Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia

2 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 IN THIS ISSUE 4. Liberia Hosts High Level Panel 6. Vision 2030: A Pledge to Transform Liberia 8. Liberia Launches First Justice and Security Hub 9. Women Encouraged to Join Police 10. “Strong” Liberian Women Impress Shirin Ebadi 12. Identity Protection for Rape Survivors 4. Liberia Hosts High Level Panel 14. Empowering Women By hosting the High Level Panel of eminent leaders tasked with re-framing the Fishmongers post-2015 global development agenda, Liberia showcases its peaceful progress 16. Interview: Aeneas C. Chuma and its readiness to engage with the rest of the world on global issues. 18. Liberia Makes Progress in Children’s Rights 20. ASG Simonovic Urges Ivorian Refugees to Help Build Peace 22. Repatriation to Côte d’Ivoire Gains Momentum 30. Liberians Speak

Chief of Public Information Isabelle Abric

Editor and Head of Publications Mathew Elavanalthoduka

Staff Writers 6. Vision 2030: A Pledge to Transform Liberia Ruby Ofori Liberia recently launched “Vision 2030”, an ambitious blueprint for development Vanessa Curney aimed at equitable and inclusive growth that will eventually secure the nation the James S. King status of a middle-income country by 2030. Design and Graphics Paddy Defoxy Ilos, II Thomas S. Blidi

Photos Staton Winter Emmanuel Tobey

Published by the Public Information Office, United Nations Mission in Liberia

[email protected] www.unmil.unmissions.org www.facebook.com/unmil2003 10. Liberia Launches Justice and Security Hub www.twitter.com/unmilnews The first regional Justice and Security Hub has been launched in Gbarnga, Bong www.youtube.com/unmiltv County, bringing justice and security services closer to the people of the region. www.flickr.com/unmil Four more such hubs to follow in other regions. Printed by Buck Press Ltd., Accra, Ghana

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 3 Presidents Yudhoyono and Sirleaf and Prime Minister Cameron address the media Liberia Hosts High Level Panel By Ruby Ofori Monrovia on 2 February. According “I can say that the talks were to the three co-chairs of the panel positive and we have made much he High Level Panel of 27 -- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf progress in finding our focus on some eminent leaders tasked by of Liberia, Prime Minster David very crucial issues,” said President UN Secretary-General Ban Cameron of the United Kingdom and Johnson Sirleaf at the concluding press Ki-moon with reframing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono conference with her two co-chairs. the global development of Indonesia -- a new post-2015 vision She said a new post-2015 development Tagenda after 2015 concluded a for poverty eradication is emerging as paradigm is evolving from these resoundingly successful conference in a result of these consultations. discussions which is transformational

4 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 and cities, build new roads and make remains much to be done in order sure that we expand our national to produce a solid final report of the electricity grid. Liberia will play our panel. “Yet I am confident that with part in tackling the challenges faced the progress we achieved so far, we by all around the world and we will be able to live up to our mandate hope that all together these meetings in accordance with our time frame,” he will provide and make the world a added. better place for all our children,” she Following their first meeting in stressed. New York in January 2012, the panelists Prime Minister David Cameron issued a communiqué pledging to praised Liberia and its leader for the consult with representatives of the progress made in recovering from communities whose lives they are the devastation of armed conflict seeking to uplift. That promise was

Following their first meeting in New York in January 2012, the panelists issued a communiqué pledging to consult with representatives of the communities whose lives they are seeking to uplift. That promise was upheld in Monrovia where over 300 stakeholders took part.

and for proving that donor aid upheld in Monrovia where over “can make a difference.” He said 300 stakeholders took part. These Liberia’s experience shows that the included representatives of women’s real agenda of how you lift people rights organizations, youths, farmers, from poverty to prosperity goes so children, small business owners, the much further than aid. “It requires elderly, the disabled and civil society the rule of law, it requires honest groups based in Liberian and from transparent government, and it around the world.

Prime Minister David Cameron praised Liberia and its leader for the progress made in recovering from the Presidents Yudhoyono and Sirleaf and Prime Minister Cameron address the media devastation of armed conflict and for proving that donor aid “can make a difference.”

needs infrastructure and education. While the second meeting of Liberia Hosts High Level Panel It needs clear rules for business so the Panel in London focused on and “integrates economic growth, that countries benefit from their raw individual and household level social inclusion and environment materials and resources and are not poverty, in Monrovia the theme was sustainability.” stripped of them and above all it needs national building blocks for sustained The Liberian President reaffirmed a strong private sector providing the prosperity. The fourth meeting her nation’s commitment to poverty growth and the jobs and the wealth takes place in Bali from 25-27 March eradication based on this evolving that is going to lift the people up and 2013. The Panel will submit a report vision. “We have set ourselves far lift the country up,” he said. containing recommendations to the reaching targets to reduce child President Susilo Bambang Secretary-General in May 2013. mortality and connect people, homes Yudhoyono of Indonesia said there

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 5 President Sirleaf at the launch of Vision 2030 Vision 2030: A Pledge to Transform Liberia

By Daniel Mensah Brande through popular consultations with reducing poverty and creating wealth Liberians at home and abroad. The for all Liberians, the Strategic Roadmap fter nine years of groundbreaking plan of action, for National Healing, Peace-building unbroken peace, adopted together with two other and Reconciliation is to reconcile and heralded by documents at a national conference in unite the country to move in unison for two successful the Liberian central city of Gbarnga, the attainment of Vision 2030. presidential and will for the next 18 years define the Liberian President Ellen Johnson Aparliamentary elections, Liberia is country’s strategic growth path. The Sirleaf described Vision 2030 now confidently eyeing the status other two documents - “Agenda as a national mantra, a national of a middle-income country by for Transformation” and “Strategic mission statement, a call to national 2030. En route to that destination, Roadmap for National Healing, transformation – reinventing national Liberians intend to showcase their Peace-building and Reconciliation” - institutions and re-aligning national country as economically prosperous, are indispensable accessories to Vision norms to move Liberia towards a socially harmonious, democratically 2030. modern African state that participates buoyant, environmentally beautiful, While the Agenda for fully in the African renaissance. culturally vibrant, and technologically Transformation, a US$5-billion “We have together launched Vision innovative. five-year development plan with 2030, which we hope and pray, will This ambitious goal is being nearly 600 interventions, is to put the take our people along the challenging propelled by a go-getting blueprint country on a sustainable, equitable and and promising path to national known as “Vision 2030,” prepared inclusive growth path by drastically solidarity and national progress,”

6 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 18 years to make the grade to join West with all Liberians. African neighbours Nigeria, Ghana, “It can only be achieved through Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal partnership between Government and in the moderately elite club of lower all sectors of society – political parties, middle-income nations, which also civil society, the private sector, and include countries like India, Ukraine, communities,” the UN envoy stressed. Albania, Indonesia, Philippines, Egypt, She promised continued commitment Morocco, Bolivia, and Pakistan. of the UN to “thinking, working, and It is an enormous task. “The task delivering as one” to support the ahead is huge. We as a Government government and the people of Liberia cannot alone turn this great ship of state. make their vision a reality. We need all hands on deck – the private Development aspirations such as sector, civil society, NGOs, political Vision 2030 are not new to Liberians. In leaders, different organizations and all the 1970s, President William R. Tolbert Liberians,” said President Sirleaf. came out with rallying calls of “Total Vision 2030 spells out various Involvement for Higher Heights,” and socio-economic interventions such as “From Mat to Mattress,” to get Liberians building of roads, bridges, hospitals involved in moving their country to and clinics, schools, and telecommu- the summit of progress. In the 1980s, nications facilities; provision of safe President Samuel Kanyon Doe also drinking water; generation of reliable introduced the Green Revolution electricity to power industries and light philosophy to boost food production homes; and above all, creation of the in the country, while President Charles human capital capable of steering the Taylor, in the late 1990s, devised the economy to a middle-income standing. Vision 2024 master plan to catalyze the As Liberia’s Finance Minister country’s development process. But Amara Konneh sees it, in the next many Liberians say the hope-nourishing 18 years, more than 60 per cent of ideas enshrined in all these documents President Sirleaf at the launch of Vision 2030 Vision 2030: A Pledge to Transform Liberia

President Sirleaf told the 500 delegates Liberians will have to be moved out appeared to have been thrown into at the Gbarnga conference, adding, of poverty into a middle class, and at the dustbin of history as none of them “We hope the vision will rebrand and the same time, efforts made to address made any significant positive impact re-identify Liberia.” the inequities and social cleavages that on the lives of the people. With current Gross National Income have afflicted Liberians for generations. However, having been developed (GNI) per capita of about US$240, In addition, Liberia has to put after thorough consultations among Liberia has to turn around its economy in place mechanisms to be very Liberians from all stations of life, Vision about four times to achieve the lower competitive on the African market to 2030, unlike previous development middle-income benchmark of GNI per attract foreign investments. Institutions agendas, seems to have emanated from capita of US$1,026. According to the of state have to be strengthened to the people and owned by the people, Word Bank ranking, countries with promote good governance and enhance and looks like a pledge by all Liberians GNI per capita of US$1,026-US$4,035 decentralization at all levels. to re-enact their destiny, as President fall within the lower middle-income In a message delivered on her Sirleaf stated at the closing session of bracket, while those with GNI per behalf at the closing session of the the Gbarnga conference. capita of US$4,036-US$12,475 are conference, Special Representative of “This is our collective pledge. This designated upper middle-income the Secretary-General Karin Landgren is our collective commitment – a pledge nations. applauded Liberians for developing a and commitment to do development It means that Liberia has to vision to transform their country, and differently, and to work relentlessly, maintain an average annual economic reminded them that such a framework to advance the transformation of our growth of about 9 per cent for the next could only be achieved in partnership country in our service to our people.”

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 7 Liberia Launches First Justice and Security Hub

Landgren, said: “As we celebrate this event, we are looking at the future of Liberia – a future where justice and security are brought closer to all Liberians, and where greater fairness and accountability increase confidence in the rule of law. It is a future of greater security, contributing to the Government and UNMIL’s overall security transition strategy.” Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Judy Cheng-Hopkins, who also attended President Sirleaf inaugurates the Hub the event stated: “The United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office and n 12 February, the and trust amongst local communities. the Peacebuilding Fund are proud Government of Liberia, Community advisory and dispute to be associated with this important in collaboration with resolution services will be developed endeavour. With funding of up to the United Nations at the hub in the coming months. $13.3 million for all five hubs, this is Mission in Liberia Speaking at the launching the most ambitious project undertaken (UNMIL),O the Peacebuilding Support ceremony, President Ellen Johnson by the Fund thus far.” Office (PBSO) and the Peacebuilding Sirleaf said: “The opening of this The opening of Liberia’s first Commission (PBC), launched Liberia’s first hub, in the nation’s heartland, justice and security hub in Gbarnga first regional justice and security hub is confirmation that we mean what is an important step in the decentral- in Gbarnga, Bong County, northeast we say about decentralizing services ization of Government services for all of the country’s capital. With funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund amounting to over $13 million, the Government of Liberia plans to open “The opening of this first hub, in the nation’s heartland, a network of five regional justice and is confirmation that we mean what we say about security hubs to increase citizens’ access to justice and security services decentralizing services to all parts of this country, and throughout the country. that Monrovia is not Liberia! The decentralization of The Gbarnga hub will be staffed by 139 personnel, including police governmental services to the people is a mark of good officers, human rights monitors, public governance. The presence of this hub, and the others defenders, prosecutors, and probation and immigration officers, and will to follow, will ensure access to justice and to quality serve communities in Bong, Lofa security service for all Liberians.” and Nimba counties with an overall population of over one million people. - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf The hub concept shows Liberia’s commitment to the justice and security sectors working together, including to all parts of this country, and that Liberians. Once the base of the rebellion police and other law enforcement, the Monrovia is not Liberia! The decen- launched by Charles Taylor in the courts, state prosecution and defense, tralization of governmental services 1990s, Gbarnga today symbolizes the and corrections. to the people is a mark of good enormous progress made by Liberia Some hub services are already governance. The presence of this hub, with support of international partners operational, including specialized and the others to follow, will ensure in the provision of justice and security services from the sexual and gender access to justice and to quality security services to Liberian citizens beyond based violence crimes unit. Liberia service for all Liberians.” the capital. National Police Officers have also The Special Representative of the (Article courtesy Peacebuilding begun patrols to help build confidence Secretary-General in Liberia, Karin Support Office)

8 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 Women Encouraged to Join Police

By James S. King

renewed campaign to recruit more women into Liberia National Police (LNP) is currently in full swing, this time Atargeting women in Liberia’s rural communities. Ministry of Gender and Development, UN Women, UNDP, LNP, and UN Police are partners involved in the exercise. Previous female recruitment campaign activities were mainly conducted in Monrovia, Montserrado County, with a target of 20 per cent female representation in the LNP. Up to date 17.4 per cent of that target has been reached. However, many of those recruited, settled down in Monrovia with their family, are not inclined to take assignments in leeward communities where social services are limited. Therefore, UNPOL and LNP are teaming up to recruit More young women are set to join LNP expected by the end of the year. Conceived as a long term The under-representation of women in Liberia’s security process, the decentralization of LNP recruitment process is meant to sector has been recognized as a serious challenge to be sustainable and locally owned. peace and security in the country as it impedes progress Ministry of Gender and Development, with its resources and staff members toward gender equality, violates women’s right to already deployed in rural areas, is a participation and representation and prevents the key partner in the campaign to attract more women into LNP, especially security sector from being truly representative. rural women. Media and community outreach, distribution of leaflets and application forms, are all part of the campaign. As a way of helping Liberia female officers from rural areas and many females hold senior ranks in the strengthen its justice and security to deploy them back in their original current LNP establishment. sector, UNMIL through its Quick communities. “Retention of police officers Impact Project has refurbished and The under-representation of in leeward communities serves to constructed several police depots women in Liberia’s security sector has empower female police personnel and magisterial courts across Liberia. been recognized as a serious challenge by assigning them more responsibil- UNPOL is currently increasing its to peace and security in the country ities that boost their esteem within personnel strength, with particular as it impedes progress toward gender their communities,” says a report emphasis on experts in training, so equality, violates women’s right to by UNPOL. The new recruitment as to assist with the development of participation and representation and campaign began in January 2013 with Liberia National Police into a fully prevents the security sector from no planned end but an evaluation professional and well-trained law being truly representative. Not too based on “perceived impact” is enforcement agency.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 9 “Strong” Liberian Women Impress Shirin Ebadi By Vanessa Curney First impressions? “Over the it must start at the grassroots level past few days I’ve spent in Liberia, and from the people of that country n late January, four I’ve been fortunate enough to meet themselves, and it has to start from an distinguished women, all of members of civil society, women in early age.” them Nobel Peace Laureates, particular,” she recounts in Persian Shirin Ebadi and fellow Nobel converged in the Liberian through a translator. “I’ve been Peace Laureate Jody Williams took the capital of Monrovia. UN FOCUS extremely impressed by the way lead in launching the Nobel Women’s caughtI up with Shirin Ebadi of Iran, Liberian women are so strong and Initiative, drawing in others, such as one of the laureates, who is visiting have such a will for peace. In any Liberia’s Leymah Gbowee. A quote Liberia for the first time. society, in order to achieve peace on its website says: Demilitarization

10 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 several books that have given people women to begin their own businesses an insight into her country. These so that they can make a living from have been some of the defining that,” Ebadi adds. elements of her life and work. When I tell her about an FAO/Danish asked whether she sees any parallels Government project under which between Liberian and Iranian women women in Lofa, Nimba and Bong she replies, “all women want equality, counties are running their own farms they are strong and they are not giving rearing chickens and growing rice. up easily.” They have access to bank accounts Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee, and are provided with agricultural Mairead Maguire and Jody Williams products and generators from the have been meeting with women from project to further strengthen their Rockhill in Monrovia and Totota in businesses.

“In any society, in order to achieve peace it must start at the grassroots level and from the people of that country themselves, and it has to start from an early age.”

Bongo County. Despite progress, “Yes, that’s extremely important. Ebadi believes education -- including Once women in Liberia feel they vocational training --is still a much are empowered enough and have needed key component of Liberia’s economic independence, then they advancement. “In the short time I’ve can stand on their own feet.” spent here I’ve noticed that there is What’s your greatest achievement? a dire shortage of schools,” she says. Almost without skipping a beat she “Not only that -- sometimes the boys answers: “showing that Islam is not

Shirin Ebadi isn’t a dirty word; nonviolence isn’t “The Liberian Government must also give priority to non-action; and real peace isn’t for training women in skills – they should encourage these wimps. The goal of the organization is to fight for peace but not only with women to begin their own businesses so that they can jaw-jaw. “It’s not just about hope and make a living from that.” ideas. It’s about action,” says Ebadi. She would know. Ebadi was one of Iran’s first female judges, serving as Tehran’s city court president between 1975 and 1979. Then came radical and girls must walk for miles, or cross incompatible with democracy and political change in her country. She rivers, to get to the ones that exist. human rights, and that even under was demoted from Chief Justice to a It would be very helpful if the UN Islam, women can have equal rights clerk in the court over which she once could help to construct more schools. with men.” presided. She eventually secured Teachers’ training is very important. “My message to the women early retirement, and set up a private The UN and other international bodies of Liberia is that you must have practice. There was no looking back. must set up special programmes for self-confidence and you must continue Controversial cases representing teachers.” with what you are doing - and I am political dissidents followed and she “The Liberian Government must sure that your future will be much was arrested several times. She set also give priority to training women better than today”. up several NGOs in Iran and wrote in skills – they should encourage these

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 11 In-camera screens on display Identity Protection for Rape Survivors

By Romeo Togba on Gender Based Violence, such a violence testifying in court. scenario is unlikely to be repeated at And Justice Wolokollie, speaking few years ago, courts hearing rape cases in Liberia. during the presentation of the screens as a member With support from the Swedish at the Temple of Justice, described of legal team representing a ten year old“A girl who was allegedly raped in With support from the Swedish Development Agency Monrovia, I was stunned and shaken when my client was put forward to (SIDA), mobile in-camera screens are now helping testify in an open court, before the protect the identity of survivors of rapes or other forms glare of a group of men who had stormed the court in support of the of gender based violence testifying in court. alleged rapist,” Associate Supreme Court Justice Jamesetta Howard- Wolokollie recounted. The little girl was asked all sorts of humiliating Development Agency (SIDA), mobile the initiative as a big step forward in questions in the full glare of the public in-camera screens are now helping ensuring justice for survivors of rape. and the alleged perpetrator.” protect the identity of survivors of “This effort gives our young girls who Thanks to the UN Joint Programme rapes or other forms of gender based have been raped a stronger reason to

12 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 supervises the settlement of a rape case between a parent and the perpetrator.” She said anyone who attempts to or compromises a rape case must face the law. Tah announced that the government, in its bid to curb rape in the society, is undertaking DNA testing in the prosecution of perpetrators of rape. “This is also a step forward to stop rape in our society. We must explore all fronts in the prosecution of rape cases. Our children should grow up without being abused by heartless people.” The then Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Rule of Law, Louis Aucoin, described the initiative as a very important contribution to protect children during criminal justice process. “The children need a very special treatment and I think the use of the screens is only really a first step and I think we also have to be giving a lot of thoughts as to how the children should be dealt with in terms of questioning In-camera screens on display and testimony and participating as witnesses,” Aucoin noted. “The screens present a huge first step in prosecuting rape cases.” The Head of the SGBV Crimes Unit at the Ministry of Justice, Felecia Identity Protection for Rape Survivors Coleman, said the move is a boost to the Unit’s efforts to ensure justice come to court and testify and for us to not continue with impunity in our for victims of rape and other forms prosecute the alleged perpetrators.” society,” Tah stressed. of gender based violence. Coleman Liberia’s Justice Minister The Justice Minister said there disclosed that since the establishment Christiana Tah also shares the view should be no compromise of rape cases of the Unit in 2009, it has prosecuted that the mobile partition protecting in the country. “It is disheartening over 28 rape cases with 61 percent the identity of a survivor of rape gives when a law enforcement officer conviction. hope to efforts aimed at prosecuting rape cases. Minister Tah at the launch “When a child is raped, that child becomes traumatized and bringing her to testify in an open court adds to the trauma. But with these mobile partitions, the victims of rape will have the courage to come to court and testify as their identities will be concealed.” Tah called for collective efforts to combat rape in the society. “Majority of the victims are children under12. This is sickening. This malady should

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 13 A group of rural women happily surround the donation Empowering Women

County, Wesley Bokati Natana, urged the women to take full ownership of the project items and facilities. Upbeat about the project, the head of the Fishmongers Rural Women Structure in the county, Teeta Lloyd, praised UNMIL for the By Moses M. Zangar, Jr. The Quick Impact Project efforts to improve the livelihoods of titled “Enhancing Livelihoods for women in rural communities, saying hirty-six women groups Women through Fish Processing,” the income generated would enable under the aegis of the which started in 2011, is aimed at them to cover domestic and personal Rural Women Structure improving the livelihoods of women expenses such as food, clothing, of Rivercess County engaged in fishing activities. Most healthcare, school fees, etc. are well on their way to of the beneficiary women are semi- “UNMIL continues to open Tfinancial security thanks to a fishing illiterate or illiterate and are heads of up opportunities for women project funded by the United Nations households. empowerment. This fishing Mission in Liberia for women in rural The project has three freezers, two project will enhance the economic communities. The US$ 23,000 project generators, 18 fishing nets, a canoe, significance of our women for the is the first of its kind, and the women as well as an outer boat machine, all functioning and development of their now see it as an opportunity to tackle presented by UNMIL. While handing communities and families,” Rivercess poverty at household and community over the equipment late last year, County Superintendent Wellington levels. Head of Field Office in Rivercess Geevon-Smith pointed out.

14 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 communities, for example, women consolidate their position as traders as dominate the markets either as buyers rural women are often not acquainted or sellers of food. with official credit facilities. With funding from UN Women, For rural women, the first hurdle to functional literacy classes are setting up a business is access to credit. conducted for the benefit of women Getting a loan from a commercial in Cestos by Childrensmile, a local bank is a nightmare of form-filling organization. They are being taught and intrusive questioning. Moreover, leadership, entrepreneurial and good the absence of a commercial bank in management skills, especially basics Rivercess County adds to their woes. of book-keeping and writing and Women play an important role in numeracy skills. the fishing sector in Liberia. A good “UNMIL Civil Affairs Section number of women in traditional fishing in collaboration with the Ministry communities such as Cestos are in one of Gender and Development will way or another involved in fishery continue to provide technical support activity. The artisanal fishing fleet in Moses M. Zangar, Jr./UNMIL Moses M. Zangar, A group of rural women happily surround the donation

Already, members of the rural women structure have started assembling fishing nets in readiness for fishing. Six women groups out of the registered 36 are the first to benefit from phase-one of the project. The roles of fishermen and women fish traders are distinct under the scheme: Men do the fishing and fix the fishing gear and boats while the women take over as soon as the catch is unloaded from the boats. They transport and market the fish, and in some cases transform it into dried or

salted fish. In turn, they may commit Jr./UNMIL Moses M. Zangar, to paying the fishermen back in cash UNMIL Head of Field Office in Rivercess County, Weskley Natana turns over the items to Superintendent Wellington Geevon-Smith after the product is sold or pay back in dried or salted fish. The main idea is to ensure that these women fish traders to the groups in the management of Cestos consists of about 50 small canoes become a social and economic force in the project,” says Irene Amongin, or boats with oars and approximately their community. the Civil Affairs expert assigned to 75 boats with outboard motors. This The handling, processing, and Rivercess County. means that a semi-industrial fishing marketing of fish products are Oretha Quaye, a mother of seven sector does exist in the city. This sector essential complementary functions children, is the main initiator of the is vital to livelihoods and food security of the local fishing industry. Women fishing project. She thinks equal access because people directly depend on traditionally have played a major role to credit and participation in market these fisheries for food and income. in these activities. In most fishing development for women is needed to

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 15 in conversation: Aeneas C. Chuma “Reconciliation must be buttressed by investment and development…”

Aeneas C. Chuma joined the UN Mission in Liberia as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Consolidation of Democratic Governance in December 2012. A veteran UN diplomat with extensive experience in the field of development, he also serves as UN’s Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator in Liberia. In an interview with Editor Mathew Elavanalthoduka, the UN envoy discusses Liberia’s progress towards democracy, the importance of reconciliation, and the UN’s partnership with the Government, among other issues.

UN FOCUS: It has been a few months since you joined UNMIL as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Consolidation of Democratic Governance. What are your initial impressions about Liberia? DSRSG Chuma: I had never been to Liberia before; this is my first time to be here. But I know the history of Liberia’s civil war which took an incredible toll on the general population. One cannot help but feel a sense of optimism because of the prevailing peace since the Accra peace accord ten years ago. The country has gone through a second national election. Liberia has begun to re-engage with the international community. My impression is that despite its difficult past, Liberia is now on the right path. But that does not mean that things are perfect. There is a need for more development, particularly infrastructure and the need to rebuild primary and secondary learning institutions and vocational institutions. More importantly there is need to create employment for the general population and for the youth in particular.

16 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 Poor governance in the past is What do you think is the role of UNMIL will be here for quite considered one of the major reasons reconciliation in this process? a long time but in different form. behind Liberia’s civil crisis. How do I think reconciliation is an The military will gradually draw you see governance in Liberia turning extremely important part of this down. The strategy now is to build, away from the past and what are the process. The Strategic Roadmap strengthen and modernize the challenges? for National Healing, Peacebuilding institutions responsible for internal Yes, indeed, one of the major causes and Reconciliation, which President security, the Liberia National Police, of the civil strife was poor governance, Johnson Sirleaf recently introduced, the Bureau of Immigration and unaccountable and unresponsive is an important instrument to achieve Naturalization, and, to some extent the to the wishes of the people. It is not this. A divided house cannot make Armed Forces of Liberia and also the unique to Liberia but a global problem, progress. So it is extremely important justice system. UNMIL is not working particularly in the developing world. that the Government and its partners in isolation. It works continuously Everybody now realizes the problem. invest in promoting reconciliation to fit into the national vision and the That is why attempts are being nationally. Reconciliation alone is Agenda for Transformation. The UN made to revisit the Constitution to not enough; there must be evidence development agencies will step in to make it more responsive through to alleviate the hardships of common fill some the vacuums. But it is not just decentralized governance. It is about people. People will want to see the UN Country Team; it applies also spreading authority to the counties evidence of development. It will be a to the Liberian Government and other and beyond, and equally importantly, lot easier for reconciliation if there is development partners. bringing service delivery closer to the simultaneous progress in development. population. There are also ongoing Because, historically, part of the Do you expect a favorable response to efforts to reform the Judiciary as well grievance was that the division also the recently launched Humanitarian as state institutions such as the Liberia meant exclusion of certain groups. Appeal? National Police and the Bureau of Reconciliation must be buttressed by I am hoping that the partners of Immigration and Naturalization. investment and development all over Liberia will continue to be generous This is a multifaceted approach to equitably. Reconciliation cannot be and recognize the need to support the consolidate democratic governance. approached from a missionary point critical humanitarian gaps particularly of view, purely by preaching. It must in the south eastern counties of Liberia has been a victim of go along with demonstrable evidence Liberia that were initially affected prolonged violence, lawlessness and of development, particularly in areas by the humanitarian crisis of 2010/ authoritarian regimes. Turning such that have long been deprived. 2011. OCHA, through the special a country into a democracy can be Emergency Response Fund, already a very slow and difficult process. Is You are also the Resident has committed US$3 million. Some democracy taking a firm root in the Representative of UNDP in Liberia. countries are identifying other areas country? Where does Liberia stand today of possible support, especially water I think Liberia has resolutely in achieving the Millennium and sanitation. The needs are quite begun the journey toward democratic Development Goals by 2015? acute. Fragile communities in those governance. The reforms that are now My impression is that Liberia has regions also need some assistance being implemented, the Vision 2030, made some significant progress. But even though they did not host the Agenda for Transformation, the clearly Liberia is not going to meet all refugees as other communities. I have attempts to forge national cohesion the goals because it started late. But to remain optimistic. We are talking to and reconciliation, and the efforts what is important in Liberia are the the partners hoping that they respond to decentralize authority are all part efforts to reduce child mortality and generously. of this journey. But it is not an easy to improve school attendance. For journey but a difficult and long-term Liberia, the goals will remain valid for On a personal note - how do you feel one. You have to continuously tighten, a much longer period beyond 2015. about your posting to Liberia as the polish and modernize institutions Deputy Special Representative of the so that they don’t become dormant As the UN Mission eventually Secretary-General? and complacent. This is not new; closes down, UN agencies, funds and I feel lucky to be here. Most of my even developed countries go through programmes, of which you are the work has been with UNDP, dealing reforms. This journey will require Coordinator in Liberia, will need to with development issues. And now eternal vigilance and they cannot take on additional responsibilities. I have an opportunity to combine happen by themselves. One will have How do you envisage the UN family’s development issues with urgent peace to inculcate a mentality and a mindset role in Liberia once the Mission draws consolidation issues. It is an incredible that support change. down? and fascinating challenge for me.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 17 Liberian children demand education and security Liberia Makes Progress in Children’s Rights

By Vanessa Curney faces several forms of ill-treatment world’s most endorsed human rights including child labor, as he is forced treaty – only Somalia, South Sudan arney Dargo, an orphan to crack palm kernel for LD20 per bag; and the United States have yet to ratify. in Voogbor Community, abandonment, as he is left alone to It blossomed out of the Universal northwest of Liberia’s navigate the lavatory, feeding, laundry; Declaration of Human Rights – not itself Grand Cape Mount and poor sanitary conditions. a legally binding document, but which County, has been Mohammed Sambullah, Varney’s set a strong moral framework for the sufferingV from a disease in the leg for uncle, says the family remains firmly of six core human rights conventions that more than six years now. He says his the belief that the boy is very much linked were to come, including the CRC. relatives refuse to treat him at a hospital to witchcraft, given that witchdoctors As Varney’s story shows, it’s one but rather take him to one herbalist have made all efforts to heal him and thing to have the legally binding treaty after another because they believe his have failed. and another to actually put that law into illness is linked to witchcraft, thus The Convention on the Rights of practice. In September 2012, a Liberian making him an outcast. the Child (CRC) was created to protect Delegation of Government Ministers Almost paralyzed, this young boy children such as Varney and is the presented the country’s periodic

18 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 such as the Convention on the Rights of juvenile justice. Among other things, Persons with Disabilities. it wants a review of all domestic laws Liberia has also developed policies and a national action plan linked to the and plans such as the National Action national budget. It also wants a National Plan for the Prevention and Management Well-Being Council set up urgently. of Gender-based Violence, along with At a UNICEF, Government of Liberian children demand education and security Liberia Makes Progress in Children’s Rights

reports to the Child Rights Committee structures to promote those rights Liberia and Child Protection Network in Geneva. The Committee monitors including the Women and Children’s presentation of the findings in Monrovia how well all state parties are putting Protection Section within Liberia in December, UNICEF’s Representative the convention into action in their own National Police, and the Criminal Court in Liberia, Isabel Crowley, reinforced countries. which presides over cases of violence the Committee’s recommendation The Committee concludes that against women and girls. (Liberia to translate the children’s law ”from Liberia has made some important recently launched mobile partitions at words into action” and talked about advances in children’s rights over the Criminal Court E in Monrovia to help progressing and moving forward, even last twelve years: it has created several protect the identity of child and women though not everything “is perfect”. laws that benefit children including the rape survivors). Ministers also promised the audience Children’s Law, Education Reform Act, Now, Liberia needs to forge ahead, comprising schoolchildren, journalists Anti-Corruption Law, the Rape Law says the Committee. It wants to see and other adults that they would bear and the Anti-trafficking Law. Liberia the Children’s Law fall in line with down heavily on the practice of female has also signed several international the CRC, especially in the areas of the genital mutilation which is currently not and regional human rights instruments minimum marital age, adoption and outlawed in the country.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 19 Simonovic meets with Ivorian refugees ASG Simonovic Urges Ivorian Refugees to Help Build Peace

By Napoleon Viban Simonovic crossed over briefly to of peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire commune with Ivorian refugees in was the shared responsibility of all isiting Côte d’Ivoire the Liberian border County of Grand Ivorians, at home or in exile. late last November to Gedeh. “As leaders, you have the huge appraise the country’s And when he met with the refugee responsibility to lift the spirits and human rights situation, leadership at Solo Camp, some 15 km keep the hope alive among the UN Assistant Secretary north of the County capital Zwedru, refugees,” Simonovic told the camp GeneralV for Human Rights, Ivan the ASG insisted that the restoration leaders, urging them to guide their

20 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 host communities across the region, notwithstanding calls encouraging them to move into the safe confines of the camps. ASG Simonovic told the refugees that he was in Liberia to appraise their situation firsthand, noting that their plight was critical to the process of national healing and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire. “My understanding of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t come over to hear your concerns and hopes,” he told the refugees. Although a voluntary repatriation programme run by UNHCR in collaboration with the LRRRC has been ongoing for several months, many refugees remain hesitant to make the return journey, citing insecurity back home. “We continue to hear of arbitrary arrests, and our forests are still in the hands of foreign occupants,” a spokesperson for the refugees complained to the ASG during his meeting with the camp leaders. Acknowledging their fears, Simonovic told the refugees he had discussed these and other concerns with Ivorian government authorities. He said equal rights for all Ivorians, Napoleon Viban/UNMIL Simonovic meets with Ivorian refugees regardless of their political, ethnic or

Some 68,000 refugees, who fled the 2010 post-election crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and the intermittent skirmishes ASG Simonovic Urges Ivorian that have since followed, were still living in southeastern Liberia by the close of 2012. Officials from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission Refugees to Help Build Peace (LRRRC) said about 28,000 still live in some 54 host communities across the region, notwithstanding calls encouraging them to move into the safe confines of the compatriots away from feelings of revenge. camps. Some 68,000 refugees, who fled the 2010 post-election crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and the intermittent skirmishes that have since followed, the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and religious affiliations was fundamental were still living in southeastern Liberia Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) to forging reconciliation and building by the close of 2012. Officials from said about 28,000 still live in some 54 trust between communities.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 21 Repatriation to Côte d’Ivoire Gains

10 passenger trucks, three luggage trucks, one back-up truck and Momentum three light vehicles, including an ambulance. The refugees are heading to places such as Danane and Man in By Sulaiman Momodu Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Côte d’Ivoire singing heartily. Friends Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) they had made while in refuge wave t is a very busy morning in call out the names of refugees who them goodbye. Bahn Refugee Camp on 26 had registered to return home. Following disputed presidential February as dozens of excited Dai-Narcisse is one among them, run–off elections in November 2010, Ivorian refugees converge at waiting patiently with his wife and more than 200,000 Ivorians fled into the assembly point to get on the three kids to hear their names called Liberia to seek refuge. The Bahn convoyI for a journey back home. Many out. As his name is finally called out Refugee Camp in Nimba County of those travelling had woken up early to board the truck, Dai-Narcisse, a was the first camp established in enough to gather all their possessions well-known cultural dancer in the February 2011. The other camps are including pots, mattresses, mats, food camp, is all smiles. Back home, the Solo, Dougee and PTP camp (former stuff and other personal effects. 30-year-old is also a professional Prime Timber Production compound) One by one, staff of the United driver. in Grand Gedeh County and Little Nations High Commissioner There are 395 refugees returning Wlebo in Maryland County. Ziah for Refugees (UNHCR) and the home on this convoy comprising Refugee Camp in Grand Gedeh

22 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 UNOCI peacekeepers providing there were more than 64,800 Ivorian escort. In Danane, Ivorian authorities refugees in Liberia although UNHCR welcome the former refugees now was expecting a much lower figure. known as returnees and assure them of Since the beginning of 2013, security. Dai-Narcisse and his fellow hundreds of refugees have been returnees thank the Government of registering to return home especially Liberia, UNHCR and partners for from Bahn and Dougee camps. “For taking care of them while in refuge January and February of this year and for safely transporting them back alone, we have repatriated more than home. Assistance to returnees include 4,500 Ivorian refugees compared to a cash grant as well as some food and about 6,000 in 2011 and 2012.This is an non-food items. indication of improvement in safety “There is increasing interest and and security in Côte d’ Ivoire,” remarks number of Ivorian refugees in Bahn Acting UNHCR Representative Robert Refugee Camp who want to return Tibagwa. In January of this year, home,” explains UNHCR’s Alex 996 Ivorian refugees, comprising 693 Woart, noting that before this year, individuals from Dougee and 303 repatriation from the camp to Danane from Bahn, repatriated in one day, the was done through a very long route. highest return in a day since facilitated “There was a broken bridge on the Voluntary Repatriation of Ivorian road to the Luoguato border which refugees started in late 2011. was a serious challenge. Basically, The general security situation we had to facilitate repatriation by along the border has improved with going in a circle through Toe Town UNMIL and UNOCI peacekeepers Transit Centre where refugees had together with national security to overnight and then take them to personnel conducting regular border Toulepleu Transit Centre in Côte patrols. At a meeting held at the UN

Peter Zangama/UNHCR Peter d’Ivoire the following day where Mission in Liberia Headquarters in The journey back home begins some of them will again overnight. mid-February, Acting Deputy UNHCR The journey was two days while it is Representative Andrew Mbogori now a matter of hours,” says Woart, briefed Assistant Secretary-General delightedly. Edmond Mulet of the Department The repatriation process was of Peacekeeping Operation, the interrupted in June 2012 following two Special Representatives of the Repatriation to Côte d’Ivoire Gains the killing of seven UN peacekeepers Secretary-General of UNMIL and in the Tai region in Côte d’Ivoire UNOCI, Karin Langren and Albert County had been closed as part of near the border with Liberia as many Koenders, as well as senior UN officials camp consolidation efforts as refugee refugees re-evaluated their interest about the increase in the number of Momentum population decreases with many to return. The incident prompted the Ivorian refugees returning home. returning home on their own. closure of the Liberian border with “Our repatriation planning figure for After about two hours of driving Côte d’Ivoire although it remained this year is 16,000, but we are hopeful from Bahn camp, occasionally stopping open to humanitarian activities. that we will exceed this target,” said in between to allow refugees to have Also, some refugees who had been Mbogori, allaying fears of a protracted light refreshment and answer the call repatriated returned to Liberia citing refugee situation in Liberia. of nature, the convoy finally arrives security concerns. By the end of 2012, at Liberia’s Luoguato border crossing Refugees assemble for briefing in Danane point. Here, UN peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the United Nations Operations in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) are at hand to assist the convoy to cross over into Côte d’Ivoire. On Ivorian soil, security and immigration personnel screen the refugees and the green light is given for the convoy to continue with Sulaiman Momodu/UNHCR

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 23 Sensitizing Refugees on Rights, Responsibilities and Repatriation

By Sulaiman Momodu for Refugees (UNHCR) in collaboration New Pohan & Old Pohan, Boe Town with the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Zleh Town hosting communities. ith cultural and Resettlement Commission In Maryland County, the Little Wlebo performances (LRRRC), the UN Mission in Liberia Refugee Camp and Gbon Town were and loudspeakers (UNMIL), UN agencies and other visited while sensitization also took belting out familiar partners. The exercise was more than place in Bahn Refugee Camp, Saclepea songs, a carnival welcome news to more than 64,000 Refugee Camp and Old Yourpea in Watmosphere was recently created Ivorian refugees in Liberia. Nimba County. Messages were passed in camps and communities hosting Launched in Maryland County on on in appropriate languages and Ivorian refugees with enthusiastic 21 January, all Ivorian refugee camps refugees had the opportunity to ask crowds demonstrating their dancing and some communities in Nimba, questions. UNMIL Radio covered the prowess as a mass information Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties exercise and discussion programmes sensitization campaign got underway. benefited from the campaign over were organized on community radio The campaign on “the Rights and a ten-day period. In Grand Gedeh stations. Responsibilities of Refugees” and County, the sensitization team visited “The objective of this campaign the on-going “Facilitated Voluntary PTP, Solo and Dougee refugee camps is to ensure that the civilian character Repatriation” was organized by the in addition to Tuzon, Toe’s Town, of asylum and refugee camps is United Nations High Commissioner Blown Town, Janzon, Bayweedee, maintained and that refugee camps

24 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 Sulaiman Momodu/UNHCR A sensitization session in progress

Sulaiman Momodu/UNHCR and obey the laws of Liberia. As return home. All questions and issues UNMIL transition continues with raised by refugees were clarified. the gradual handing over of security Among the questions were: “Can my in some areas already in progress, safety and security be guaranteed the Special Representative of the should I return home?”; Can I be Secretary-General, Karin Landgren, assisted to repatriate when I do not Sensitizing Refugees on Rights, had visited Ivorian refugee camps live in a refugee camp?; When can and urged the refugees to remain law I express my desire to return?; Will abiding as the UNHCR and partners UNHCR Liberia transport me to my facilitate repatriation. final destination in Côte d’Ivoire?; In line with relevant Conventions What assistance will I receive when I Responsibilities and Repatriation and Protocols, refugees were arrive in Côte d’Ivoire? reminded that the UNHCR is The refugees were informed that mandated to lead and coordinate upon return to Côte d’Ivoire they will remain a place of peace and protection. international action to protect refugees receive a cash grant equivalent of US$ Generally, refugees are among and resolve refugee problems, but 150 (75,000 CFA) per adult and US$100 the most vulnerable people in the the primary responsibility to ensure (50,000 CFA) per child under 18 years, world,” remarked the UNHCR Acting that refugees access their rights is non-food items, food supplied by Representative, Robert Tibagwa. the State in which they are seeking WFP and any other assistance from Among other things, refugees were refuge. “Refugees have rights, but various organizations that will sustain informed that the message on “Rights they also have responsibility to obey their return. and Responsibilities” was aimed at the laws of the country in which they Although it was not the first mass ensuring that refugees do not come are seeking refuge,” reiterated the information campaign organized for into conflict with the law as had been Executive Director of the LRRRC, Cllr. Ivorian refugees, the exercise clearly witnessed on some occasions when Wheatonia Y. Dixon Barnes. reinforced the need for refugees to some individuals had either taken the The message that the security know their rights and obligations, as law into their hands or had instigated situation in Côte d’Ivoire has relatively well as updates on repatriation. The others to disturb the peace in camps. improved in most parts of the campaign continues on the airwaves They were reminded that refugees are country was received with cheers and with messages being aired on the civilians and not military personnel or applauses. Many refugees, especially biweekly French programme from armed elements and that everybody in Dougee and Bahn refugee camps, UNMIL Radio transmitters in Zwedru on Liberian soil is obliged to respect expressed their desire to register and and Harper.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 25 Improved Security Sparks Demand to Reopen Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire Border Napoleon Viban/UNMIL A border security meeting in progress

By Napoleon Viban observers and their Liberian and Mayo, the framework under which Ivorian counterparts alike affirm a UNMIL and UNOCI, along with he idea for Liberian and significant decrease in security threat Ivorian and Liberian security agencies Ivorian security forces to levels at the borders. consult on cross-border security and crisscross their common Following months of undisturbed cooperation. border in joint patrols quiet, there have been calls lately As business in the border Counties supported by UNMIL from several quarters urging the reeled from the impact, Kayee seized Tand UNOCI peacekeepers is gaining Government of Liberia to reopen the chance at the meeting, which was increasing traction. But even as the the border with Côte d’Ivoire. It was held last 5 February in the Liberian two parties ponder the implications of closed in August 2012, two months border town of B’hai, to press his case, a common watch, the reinforcement after an ambush on a UNOCI ground arguing that all was now calm at the in recent months of separate border patrol in the Ivorian border town of frontiers. patrols on their respective flanks is Tai. Seven UN peacekeepers were So severe was the crunch further beginning to pay off. killed in the 8 June attack. down south in Maryland County that Reacting to reports about suspected The only other major incident the authorities in Liberia ceded to a Ivorian fugitives raiding border towns in western Côte d’Ivoire since Tai, public outcry and in mid September in Côte d’Ivoire from rear bases on dates back to 13 August 2012 when 2012, eased the restrictions a little. the Liberian frontier, Liberia launched unidentified attackers seized and held A partial opening allowed limited a military operation in June last year two Ivorian border posts for several daylight movement of goods through to secure the country’s southeastern hours before government forces the border crossing at Pedebo – a borders. And as Operation Restore Hope regained control. lifeline on the Cavalla River through gathered pace, UNMIL and UNOCI “The border closure is severely which essential commodities from forces equally revved up ground and affecting our operations,” Henson S. Côte d’Ivoire reach Maryland’s air patrols, which they jointly conduct Kayee, Senior Customs Collector at markets. Otherwise, the border with Liberian and Ivorian security the Toe Town Customs Collectorate remains closed to all movement, agencies. in Grand Gedeh County bemoaned excepting humanitarian interventions, Seven months on, UN military recently at a meeting of Operation notably the voluntary repatriation of

26 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 Improved Security Sparks Demand to Reopen Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire Border

refugees. debriefing in B’hai, UNOCI observers the 700 km Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire Moaning over the closure has by from the Sector West Team Site of frontier. Team Site Touleupleu no means been confined to Liberia’s Toulepleu reported similar clamour cited locals as affirming that the small-time cross-border traders and on the Ivorian side for the border to be closure notwithstanding, clandestine revenue collectors. Between the reopened. crossings on foot continue across Liberian and Ivorian communities that The contention was advanced, these unmanned corridors. The team straddle the border, ties of family and too, about the futility of a prolonged noted that of some seven known kinship intertwine and overlap. Little closure, considering that scores of crossing points within their area of wonder that at the Operation Mayo unmanned border crossings dot responsibility, only one was official. BIN Outpost Gets a Modern Face ince the inception of the forum, almost every session of Operation Mayo has resonated with complaints fromS the Liberian Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) about shortfalls in basic infrastructure and logistic support. But as the curtains fell on 2012, BIN agents in Grand Gedeh County had more to celebrate besides the Feast of the Nativity and the advent From its previous bamboo structure, the BIN office has moved to the new building of a New Year. Late last November, UNMIL officially handed over to the Bureau a newly constructed office for the border post of Zaway in Garley Town, funded under the Mission’s Quick Impact Projects. The modern edifice, poles apart from the make-shift thatch hut that housed the outpost until then, comprises four office rooms, a charge quarter, two detention cells, a well, and a water pump. “It’s the first time we’ve seen a building of this kind around building, BIN County Commander in recent years. Mtaisi recalled here since the border post was Dweh Tarlue assured UNMIL of its that when he first visited Zaway established in 1972,” Zaway resident maintenance and upkeep. Tarlue in 2009, town elders conceded it Augustine Grear confessed at the nonetheless appealed for possible was the first time since 1985 that a brief hand-over ceremony. additional support, including the vehicle had braved the bad road The facility, along with some acquisition of a power generator and to the area, which at the time was office equipment and stationery, water storage tanks. derelict and impassable. It was was officially turned over to the BIN Mtaisi urged continued BIN upon experiencing the challenge on 20 November 2012 by Thomas vigilance to ensure security along firsthand, that Mtaisi arranged Mtaisi, Head of the UN Field Office Liberia’s border with Côte d’Ivoire. for UNMIL’s Chinese Engineer in Grand Gedeh. Like Grear, he too acknowledged Company to step in the following Receiving the new office how far the border post had come year and rehabilitate the road.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 27 Members of the cooperatives get together

malnutrition in a world that produces enough food for all. Farmers’ Cooperatives WFP is purchasing locally produced rice from members of agricultural associations under its By James S. King Violence, conflict resolution, peace Purchase for Progress (P4P) initiative building, report writing, agricultural designed to provide meals to students embers of development with societies in mining, in Liberian schools as well as to eight farmers’ entrepreneurship, microenterprise improve incomes and reduce poverty associations, development and utilization of market among small farm holders. Provision comprising information. of high grade seed rice by WFP to predominantly rural WFP and CDA have teamed up to farmers associations has resulted women,M are currently benefiting from enhance organizational development in increased local food production. training on sustainable agriculture. and empowerment of women in From 85,000 metric tons in 2006, rice Supported by the World Food agricultural cooperatives. The effort production in Liberia increased to Programme (WFP), the training is intended to reverse the present about 200,000 metric tons in 2009. is carried out by Cooperative trend of subsistence farming in rural Women in rural communities in Development Agency (CDA), the communities into market-driven Liberia play key roles in production government agency that regulates agricultural communities with women and supply of agricultural food farmers’ cooperatives in Liberia. as principal beneficiaries. Creation products, principally for domestic The combined membership of the of awareness, good governance, consumption. However, WFP’s associations stands at 453 farmers of audit, capacity building, forming support for enhanced knowledge of which 293 are women. They are from new cooperatives and reactivation of sustainable farming is expected to Liberia’s main food growing regions dormant cooperatives are identified enable Liberian farmers, particularly of Bong, Gbarpolu, Lofa, and Nimba significant components of a vibrant women, accrue better rewards. Counties. The training exercises will agro sector. Awareness created under the WFP/ end in late March 2013 following “Agricultural cooperatives can CDA initiative has empowered which the farmers’ association will be help end global hunger,” says FAO community farmers to make informed transformed in to cooperatives. Director-General José Grazizno decisions on farmers’ cooperative Conducted at community level da Silva Silva, adding that it was societies. There is now increasing in selected counties, the training “unacceptable” that close to eight interest amongst farmers who want exercise covers methods of sustainable hundred seventy million people to join cooperatives as a means to self farming, HIV/AIDS, Gender Based continue to suffer from severe sufficiency.

28 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 Facts About UNMIL’s Transition

What does UNMIL’s transition mean its presence throughout the country, made by a Technical Assessment for Liberia? it will work closely with other UN Mission, conducted in February The gradual reduction of UNMIL agencies to ensure that agencies’ 2012, to increase the Mission’s forces in the transition process is a engagement is complementary and authorized number of formed police sign of progress – Liberia has moved takes the work of the Mission into units by three. These units, each of from a humanitarian emergency to a the future. UNMIL has been a fully which is comprised of 140 police, peace consolidation phase. UNMIL’s integrated mission, with all parts of are equipped to respond to public reduction of troop figures does not the UN system in Liberia working disorder incidents. Those 420 police mean a total withdrawal of UN together as one under the leadership officers will be located strategically in staff. The UN has been in Liberia for of the SRSG (and Coordinator of counties where the Mission’s military decades. The 16 UN Agencies, Funds UN operations in Liberia). An presence is being decreased. They will and Programmes, and the World Bank adjustment in the presence and focus provide backup to government actors will continue to work in Liberia in the of the Mission will be made to enable providing security in those areas, as years ahead. a gradual and calibrated transition well as to ensure that UNMIL is able An integrated UN, driven by away from peacekeeping to a full to quickly and effectively respond a common vision, ensures greater United Nations peace building effort. to incidents that could cause major cohesion at the country level, allowing Although the number of peacekeepers challenges to government institutions the UN to deliver in a more coordina will be decreasing, UNDP, UNICEF, in these areas. ted and consistent fashion for the UNHCR, WFP, WHO and other UNMIL has a civilian and military benefit of the Liberian people. UN bodies will remain strong and presence in each of Liberia’s 15 committed in Liberia. counties, with some counties having What is the difference between additional military and police in drawdown and withdrawal? county capitals. UNMIL Force has, Many people appear to associate What will UNMIL’s strength be now since its original deployment, held the words “drawdown” and that the UN Security Council adopted a military presence in all counties. “withdrawal” with “premature resolution 2066 in September 2012 However, starting in October 2012, exit” or “departure.” What UNMIL The extension of UNMIL’s mandate UNMIL military will begin to vacate is going through with the Mission’s to September 2013 represents a strong some counties, and by June 2013, four transition is an “Adjustment,” and commitment by the UN to maintain counties -- Grand Bassa, River Cess, “Restructuring,” as recommended peace and security in Liberia. On 17 Sinoe and Grand Kru -- will most by an inter-agency United Nations September 2012, the Security Council likely no longer have a permanent Technical Assessment Mission, decided to decrease UNMIL’s military military presence. UNMIL Civilian conducted in February 2012. UNMIL strength by about 4,200 personnel, in and UN police presence, however, is restructuring and readjusting to three phases between August 2012 will remain in these counties. better serve Liberia, as the country’s and July 2015. After this drawdown, These areas will continue to institutions develop further and the Mission’s military strength will be covered by UNMIL’s security Liberia’s security agencies in particular be at about 3,750 personnel by July umbrella, and UNMIL will work become increasingly capable to take 2015, whose presence throughout closely with government institutions on additional security responsibilities. the country will be determined by to ensure that no security vacuum ongoing assessments conducted in presents itself. Civilian staff will When will the UN in Liberia leave? conjunction with the Government of remain in all county capitals, as will The UN family is committed to Liberia. UN Police teams, who continue to Liberia and the transition process of While the Council decided to build the capacity of Liberia National UNMIL does not mean that the UN is decrease UNMIL’s military strength, Police throughout the country. leaving Liberia. As UNMIL decreases it also approved the recommendation

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 29 Liberians Speak How long should UN peacekeepers stay in Liberia?

Flomo Tokpa, Retiree and Resident, Ber- nard Beach Community, Congo Town: Beyan B. Barnar Mechanic, Tubmanburg: I want UNMIL to remain because our I am jittery about UNMIL’s departure. country’s security is not strong yet for I would love for UNMIL to remain un- UNMIL to leave Liberia. We don’t have til 2018. I think by this time, the Libe- real security now. We still have some rian Government would have been well fears in us. I would like for UNMIL to re- groomed to sustain the peace. Peace main in Liberia for additional two years eluded us in the 1990s until UN formed beyond the time they have set to leave the peacekeeping group that restored Liberia. UNMIL people have provided peace to Liberia after 14 years of hooli- us security and we won’t want them to Nyonbada D. Strother, Student, Univer- ganism and self destruction. leave Liberia anytime soon. sity of Liberia: For me I would like for UNMIL to stay in Liberia for at least three more years because there is no secu- rity in Liberia actually. There is no police presence if you walk the streets at night. Our government does not have struc- tured security for UNMIL to leave Liberia now. Government is trying its best with security but it is not okay yet for UNMIL to leave.

Louise Flomo, Dietitian, Tubmanburg: Abraham B. Dean, Resident, Sinkor: I feel For me 2015 is a steady timetable for UN- that UNMIL should remain in Liberia for MIL’s departure from Liberia. The UN has additional three or four years because done more than enough for us to the ex- there are a lot of services that UNMIL tent that we have developed a depend- provides in Liberia. Most importantly ency syndrome. I need not mention how our security lies in the hands of UNMIL. bad the shape of our security, justice, The security apparatuses in Liberia are economic and infrastructure was in 2003 not strong enough to secure Liberia in when UNMIL came. I know there is great times of riot and other security chal- need for improvement; that is why I am lenges anywhere in Liberia. Until our suggesting the departure of UNMIL by country’s security is strong to protect us, 2015 if not I would say 2014. I don’t think UNMIL should leave Liberia now. If UNMIL leaves now I think we will be insecure.

30 • UN FOCUS • December 2012 - February 2013 Liberians Speak How long should UN peacekeepers stay in Liberia?

Moses Weah, National Youth Service Programme Officer, Lofa County: I want UNMIL to remain in Liberia up to the next presidential and legislative elections in 2017 and beyond. By this time Liberian security forces will be strengthened to Janet Yei Dahn, Student, University of handle the security challenges. Our se- Liberia: I would like for UNMIL to leave curity forces cannot handle security Liberia at the time they have outlined Kou Wonokay, Monitoring & Evalua- challenges now, thus the departure of because our war is over and we now have tion Assistant, Ministry of Planning & UN peacekeepers at this time will pose peace in Liberia. I don’t think we can fight Economic Affairs, Lofa County Develop- a serious threat to Liberia. We are hope- war amongst ourselves anymore. For this ment Office: For me one reason I want ful that the government will do all it can reason UNMIL cannot be here perpetu- UN peacekeepers to remain in Liberia to beef up its security forces in few years ally. Every organization operates accord- for at least six more years is the fact that to come, but for UNMIL to leave in two ing to plans. I believe the organization Monrovia is not Liberia. Lofa County or three years time will be disastrous for set a time schedule to leave Liberia, and connects Liberia’s borders with Guinea Liberia. when that time comes let them leave. and Sierra Leone where security is not UNMIL and other countries helped to re- enough to protect lives and properties structure our army and police which we in case of crisis. Therefore, I think it is can rely on for security. not prudent that UNMIL draw down sig- nificantly. Liberian government lacks capacity to handle security in the coun- try.

Tokpah Tarnue, ELBC Radio Correspond- ent, Lofa County: I want UNMIL to stay in Liberia for many years to help with security. Lofa County is vulnerable in Anthony N. Davies, Jr. USAID-Monrovia: terms of peace and security due to tribal I think UNMIL should remain in Liberia and religious conflicts. The presence of due to the conditions of insecurity and UNMIL security forces will buttress Libe- fragile peace in Liberia. I don’t think ria National Police, the Immigration Bu- Armed Forces of Liberia or the Liberia Sam Jabbah, Delmas Shipping Libe- reau and other Liberian security forces National Police are 100% up to security ria: We have a fragile peace in Liberia to combat crimes and violence. UNMIL task. UNMIL should stay in Liberia for now. Regarding security, if you call 911 is supporting the Liberian Joint Secu- next five years. We know Armed Forces you won’t get a rapid response. I would rity personnel to monitor porous border of Liberia has conducted recruitment prefer UNMIL to stay for additional two points between Liberia and Guinea and and training of personnel, but at the years. The question of UNMIL leaving Liberia and Sierra Leone corridors. Let same time we hear that some of them or remaining is a difficult one to answer. UNMIL remain in Liberia until the Libe- had left the military. Liberian police and For UNMIL to leave it means Liberia Na- rian government strengthens the Armed military require additional training to tional Police will have to take care of Forces of Liberia and the Immigration to enable them provide required security. everything. secure our borders.

December 2012 - February 2013 • UN FOCUS • 31 UN FOCUS, Vol. 9, No. 02 A publication of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Public Information Office www.unmil.org