CPS Liberia Partners Strengthen Efforts to Enhance Social Cohesion

 CPS Liberia Network partners have committed to strengthening joint efforts toward sustainable peace building and social cohesion in Liberia.

The decision was made at the periodic meeting of partner organizations of the CPS Liberia Network. The meeting undertook a detailed review of the activities of partners, discussions on institutional challenges, and emerging opportunities for cooperation. It reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to sustaining peace, social cohesion, and institutional accountability despite donor restrictions.

In her statement, CPS Coordinator Madam Decontee George said there is a critical need for strengthened safeguarding policies in all partner organizations. “Weak or nonexistent safeguarding infrastructure leaves staff and beneficiaries vulnerable and without the capacity to ensure that ethical and legal processes are followed when sexual misconduct is identified,” she said.

Madam George also challenged the COP Team to localize the COP framework, making the work and language of the COP more specific and relevant to Liberia. By further grounding the COP framework and activities in a local context, Madam George noted that not only will ownership of community actors be strengthened, but increased interest and participation of local organizations and partners will be generated.

Highlight on Partners’ Work:

Partner organizations under the CPS Liberia Network also made presentations on their activities for 2025, with the following:

Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Center (LOIC) reports the training of 783 young men and women (387 females, 396 males) in vocational skills that included electricity, cosmetology, plumbing, soap-making, and tailoring.

Lutheran Development Service (LDS) noted that it constructed two rice mill shelters in Jorquelleh District, Bong County, to enhance post-harvest efficiency, with over 300 farmers now benefiting from improved rice processing, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving income.

The New Africa Research and Development Agency, another partner organization within the Network, reported that it is empowering Community Land Management Committees and facilitating legal support to strengthen customary land ownership.

The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) made a presentation on several activities, including the launch of the LCC & Bread for the World Project in Nimba County, reaching 138 participants, including students, CSOs, and local leaders. The implementation of a rehabilitation component for at-risk youth through a signed Memorandum of Understanding with partners in Liberia.

The Liberia YMCA reported the implementation of Youth radio programs to promote peace and civic engagement. YMCA also reported a planned collaboration with the Ministry of Gender for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism campaign and the Center for Justice & Peace Studies.

The Center for Justice and Peace Studies (CJPS) reports that it is raising awareness on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and promoting adherence to school codes of conduct. The organization is collaborating with eight Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), 16 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and 30 Peace Clubs to advance human rights education and advocacy.

During the meeting, partner organizations from the Civil Peace Service, Liberia Network, made a call for collective resilience, renewed partnership, and sustained donor engagement to uphold the mission of the CPS Liberia Network. This includes advancing peace, justice, and dignity for all. The meeting convened from November 4-5 in Monrovia.