{"id":13670,"date":"2026-09-23T20:56:14","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T20:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peaceworkafrica.net\/?p=13670"},"modified":"2026-09-23T21:33:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T21:33:54","slug":"cps-liberia-network-marks-international-day-of-peace-with-call-for-safe-and-responsible-digital-spaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peaceworkafrica.net\/en\/cps-liberia-network-marks-international-day-of-peace-with-call-for-safe-and-responsible-digital-spaces\/","title":{"rendered":"CPS Liberia Network Marks International Day of Peace with Call for Safe and Responsible Digital Spaces"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) Liberia Network commemorated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2026, with a Peace Parade from Central Matadi to the Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Center (LOIC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The parade led into an indoor program that brought together civil society, women\u2019s rights and youth representatives. Participants discussed peace, civic participation and responsible digital citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Held under the United Nations theme, \u201cInvest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,\u201d<\/strong> the observance highlighted the need to protect people and voices while promoting safe, inclusive and responsible digital spaces. The discussion placed particular emphasis on women, girls and young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Peace Begins with Everyday Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A message from the United Nations emphasized that people build peace through collective action in their daily lives. It encouraged everyone to take small but meaningful steps to promote peace each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her overview of the program, CPS Liberia Network Coordinator Madam Decontee E. George highlighted the long-standing peacebuilding and development work of CPS partners across Liberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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She said partners have worked with communities on land rights, justice and reconciliation, youth participation, gender justice, policy advocacy, skills development, agriculture and climate resilience, and interfaith dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madam George emphasized that peace means more than the absence of conflict. She said it also requires justice, opportunity, participation, dignity and a voice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investing in Peace and Protecting Voices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Delivering the Peace Day Address, Press Union of Liberia President Mr. Julius Kanubah said poverty, inequality and human insecurity continue to affect many Liberians. He stressed the importance of investing in peace to address these challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kanubah said peace strengthens social cohesion and promotes human dignity. He also noted that digital spaces now play an important role in civic life, public dialogue and advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, he cautioned that these spaces can create new risks. He called for stronger enforcement of laws against gender-based violence and discrimination, greater support for survivors, and increased investment in education and economic opportunities for women and girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also urged stakeholders to strengthen safeguards against online harassment and exploitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promoting Responsible Digital Citizenship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The panel discussion examined ways to protect people, amplify voices and promote responsible digital citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madam Danieletta F. Sleyon of the Women NGO Secretariat called for a stronger referral system for women and children experiencing abuse and violence. She also urged communities to take a more active role in addressing such cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madam Sleyon noted that some women face barriers because they lack adequate knowledge of the country\u2019s laws and their rights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Lawrence Yealue, Chairman of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, stressed that people\u2019s conduct and participation shape civic space. He called for a broad national effort to promote constructive civic engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Z. Timothy Akoi of the National Youth Council of the Liberia YMCA called for greater public education on Liberia\u2019s Cyber Crime Law. He linked the sharing of fake images and other forms of digital violence among some young people to gaps in knowledge and information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Manfred Rink, Coordinator of Civil Peace Service AGIAMONDO, described social media as an important space for public participation. He also cautioned against its misuse and highlighted the growing concern over gender-based violence in digital spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace Is a Daily Responsibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On behalf of the Network\u2019s partner organizations, the National General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Liberia, Madam Vonyee Newton Kolison, called on Liberians to invest their time, resources and collective efforts in sustaining peace for everyone, everywhere and every day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Madam Kolison urged Liberians to move beyond viewing peace as an annual commemoration. She encouraged citizens to embrace peace as a daily responsibility reflected in their actions, relationships and choices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusion Must Be at the Center of Peace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Daliette V. Segbo of the Liberia Peacebuilding Office, Ministry of Local Government, said the theme underscores that peace is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and collective action of individuals, communities, institutions and partners.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She stressed the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone\u2014including women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups\u2014can participate peacefully, contribute to decision-making and have their voices heard and respected.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Turning the Peace Day Message into Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The observance sought to mobilize communities, particularly youth and women, promote dialogue and amplify community voices. It also encouraged stakeholders to take action beyond Peace Day and strengthen recognition of locally led peacebuilding efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event renewed the call for peace as a shared responsibility. It emphasized that collaboration, inclusion and everyday action can help build peaceful, inclusive and resilient communities across Liberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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