PREAMBLE
We, the participants of the Two-Day National Workshop on Protection Mechanisms for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Liberia, convened in Monrovia at Mamba Point Hotel from 3–4 July 2026, organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in collaboration with the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (LICHRD), the West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDN), and national stakeholders;
Recalling the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (1998), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other relevant international, regional and national human rights instruments;
Recognizing the indispensable role played by Human Rights Defenders in promoting democracy, accountability, peace, justice, good governance, rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms throughout Liberia;
Acknowledging that Human Rights Defenders continue to face intimidation, threats, harassment, arbitrary arrest, reprisals, digital attacks, gender-based violence, and other forms of retaliation arising from their legitimate human rights work;
Commending the Government of Liberia, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, development partners, and the United Nations system for their continued engagement and commitment toward strengthening the protection environment for Human Rights Defenders;
Recognizing with appreciation the participation of 71 participants, comprising 45 men and 26 women, representing government institutions, independent commissions, civil society organizations, human rights defenders’ networks, media institutions, development partners, and international organizations;
Further recognizing the informative presentations, rich panel discussions, and interactive exchanges that generated practical recommendations for strengthening national protection mechanisms for Human Rights Defenders;
Hereby adopt the following Resolution:
I. KEY OBSERVATIONS
The Workshop noted that:
- Human Rights Defenders continue to play a vital role in advancing human rights, accountability, social justice, peacebuilding, and democratic governance in Liberia despite facing increasing protection risks.
- Government representatives, national institutions, development partners, and civil society acknowledged and highly commended the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by Human Rights Defenders throughout Liberia.
- Participants welcomed the assurance provided by Government representatives that the National Human Rights Defenders Policy is expected to be considered for approval and endorsement by the Cabinet during its forthcoming meeting.
- Participants welcomed the strong commitment expressed by the Liberia National Police to strengthen cooperation with Human Rights Defenders and support the implementation of effective protection mechanisms.
- The Workshop recognized the importance of enhanced coordination among Government institutions, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and regional human rights networks in responding to threats against Human Rights Defenders.
- Participants acknowledged the continued support of local, regional, and international partners toward advancing the safety, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Human Rights Defenders in Liberia.
II. PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
The Workshop agreed to advocate for and support the following priority actions:
- Accelerate the adoption, implementation, and operationalization of the National Human Rights Defenders Protection Policy.
- Harmonize Liberia’s national legal and policy framework with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and relevant regional and international human rights standards.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive national security and protection strategy for Human Rights Defenders, incorporating physical, legal, digital, and gender-responsive protection measures.
- Promote regional collaboration toward the establishment of a coherent West African framework for the protection of Human Rights Defenders.
- Establish accessible emergency response and rapid alert mechanisms, including national emergency hotlines for Human Rights Defenders at risk.
- Advocate for sustainable financial mechanisms, including emergency protection funds, to support Human Rights Defenders facing imminent threats or reprisals.
- Integrate psychosocial and mental health support services into national protection mechanisms to enhance the resilience and well-being of Human Rights Defenders.
- Strengthen partnerships among Government institutions, law enforcement agencies, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to ensure coordinated protection responses.
- Promote awareness raising and capacity development on the rights, responsibilities, and protection needs of Human Rights Defenders across Liberia.
III. STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNANCE OF THE LIBERIA COALITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS (LICHRD)
The Workshop further resolved as follows:
Governance Reforms
Recognizing the importance of an effective functioning of the LICHRD participants hereby agree that a General Assembly (GA) be convened to review the governance structure and policy documents of the LICHRD no later than October 2026.
Membership Review and Institutional Strengthening
Participants agree to establish a Membership Review Committee mandated to assess the status of existing membership, facilitate the integration of eligible new members, and review the Coalition’s membership management framework, including recruitment procedures, application requirements, rights, obligations, and benefits of members and recommend to the GA of the LICHRD
CONCLUSION
We reaffirm our collective commitment to promoting and protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of all Human Rights Defenders in Liberia. We pledge to strengthen cooperation, solidarity, accountability, and coordinated action toward building an enabling environment where Human Rights Defenders can carry out their legitimate work freely, safely, and without fear of intimidation, harassment, reprisals, or violence.
Adopted unanimously by the participants of the Two-Day National Workshop on Protection Mechanisms for Human Rights Defenders in Liberia, held at Mamba Point Hotel, Monrovia, on 4 July 2026.
