Twenty representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and media institutions are participating in a three-day capacity-building training on legislative monitoring.
The training, according to a release, was organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD).
It is part of the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
The initiative aims to strengthen legislative transparency, citizen participation, and inclusive governance in Liberia.
It was conducted between September 10 and 12; designed to enhance the capacity of CSOs and media actors to proactively monitor and promote legislative openness.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
NIMD Country Director, Counselor Oscar Bloh, spoke of the need for transparency, participation, and inclusion are essential pillars of effective legislative monitoring.
Bloh encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained beyond the training room.
“If the knowledge gained is not translated into action, it will amount to a waste of both time and resources,” said Cllr. Bloh
He also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement, noting that Liberia ranked among the lowest globally in the 2022 Open Parliamentary Report, and did not participate in the most recent Open Parliamentary Index, leaving its current standing unclear.
Institutional Support for Civil Society Engagement
Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mildred Siryon, presented on “The Legislative Process in Liberia. From Bill to Law.”
Madam Siryon announced the Legislature’s approval of a Civil Society Desk, a recommendation she made following a peer-learning exchange with the Parliament of Sierra Leone, facilitated by NIMD.
This development laid the groundwork for the current training, which aims to build networks, coordinate strategies, and foster innovation in legislative monitoring.
EU Reaffirms Support for Civil Society
The Team Leader for Governance at the EU Delegation, Dr. Anna Brzozowska, praised Liberia’s ongoing reforms and the critical role of civil society in the process.
Madam Brzozowska, commended the General Auditing Commission (GAC) for its work and reaffirmed EU’s commitment to supporting civil society.
“The EU values civil society contributions across all sectors, and is currently developing a new Roadmap for Civil Society Engagement to better respond to Liberia’s needs,” Dr. Brzozowska
She said civil society will continue to play a vital role in monitoring investments, safeguarding labor rights, and ensuring environmental protection, especially as Liberia works to improve its business climate.
About the Liberia Electoral Support Project
The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and democratic processes that promote inclusive and accountable governance.
It is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, with funding from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.