In a move to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the Government of Liberia has signed a $20 million grant agreement with the European Union (EU). The agreement, finalized on Monday, will support efforts to address the widespread issue of SGBV across the country, which has been a persistent challenge to human rights and justice.
The initiative is designed to tackle the root causes of violence, provide enhanced services for survivors, improve law enforcement responses, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. It will also focus on strengthening Liberia’s justice system, which has faced challenges in processing SGBV cases due to delays and inadequate prosecution.
During the signing ceremony, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Boima S. Kamara, expressed his appreciation to the EU for their continued partnership. He stressed the importance of addressing sexual and gender-based violence as a critical human rights issue that requires immediate and sustained attention. Kamara emphasized that this funding would enable the government to implement necessary reforms and establish more effective support systems for survivors.
In her remarks, EU Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, reiterated the Union’s commitment to helping Liberia fight violence and promote gender equality. She emphasized the significance of protecting women and girls, pointing out that such protection is integral to Liberia’s long-term peace and development. Deprez stated that the partnership between Liberia and the EU was a shared commitment to ensuring that all Liberians, especially women and girls, can live free from fear and violence.
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Liberia, with thousands of incidents reported annually. However, many survivors face substantial challenges when seeking justice, including inadequate legal support, limited access to shelters, and a lack of healthcare services. These barriers have hindered efforts to combat the problem effectively, leaving many survivors without the help they need.
The EU-funded program will focus on addressing these gaps by expanding safe spaces for survivors, improving the response of law enforcement agencies, and providing specialized training for police, healthcare workers, and legal professionals. Public education campaigns will also be rolled out to prevent violence and raise awareness about the rights of survivors.
Civil society organizations have strongly supported the grant, calling it a vital step toward ending the impunity surrounding SGBV cases and protecting the rights of women and girls in Liberia. The program, which will be rolled out in several counties, including Montserrado, Bong, and Grand Bassa, is set to begin immediately. Key efforts will focus on addressing the needs of areas most affected by high rates of SGBV.
Additionally, the Support Measures program, valued at $7.3 million, will focus on improving national aid development coordination, particularly emphasizing strengthening the role of civil society organizations (CSOs). This component aims to bolster social cohesion, public discourse, and governance oversight while ensuring the visibility and accountability of EU-supported initiatives in Liberia.
The Liberia Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a $13.6 million program, will target the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, utilizing a comprehensive approach that focuses on legislative reforms, prevention efforts, social norms, service provision, and empowering CSOs and women’s movements. The program will be implemented by UN Women, UNFPA, and UNDP in eight counties, including Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Maryland, Montserrado, and Nimba, with efforts aimed at strengthening national legislation and improving service coordination.
