By Bill W. Cooper
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Liberia (OHCHR) has held a one-day intensive capacity development workshop session on Human Rights Based Approach, Non- Discrimination & Respect For Diversity in Liberia.
The daylong training held in collaboration with the National AIDS Commission (NAC) and Free and Equal brought together over 30 participants including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media among others.
Held on Wednesday August 21, 2024, in Monrovia, the training was geared towards equipping the participants with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively tackle stigma and discrimination, particularly in Healthcare and other key environments.
The workshop was also intended to enhance the participants’ knowledge on the role of human rights in fostering respect for diversity and lead interactive discussion on challenges and opportunities in embracing diversity.
Speaking during the starts of the workshop, NAC Chairperson, Cecelia Nuta, praised the organizers for what she described as a ‘meaningful and insightful training.’
She however used the occasion to call on the public to help protect the rights of people living with HIV/ AIDS, ensuring that they are all treated fairly to feel and form part of society.
The program Country Representative of the OHCHR, Christian Mukosa, encouraged the participants to go behind the training and do more for the betterment of the sector, underscoring the need to support and assistance relevant agencies to help address the issue.
Mr. Mukosa’s statement was then buttressed by the Human Rights officer at the OHCHR -Liberia Leeter Williams who warned highly against discrimination, especially with people living with HIV/AIDS.
Presenting further to the gathering, she expressed the danger of stigma and discrimination thereby cautioning the public to desist from such.
Lack of knowledge and education she indicated are attributing factors surrounding stigma that need to be addressed, and called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and line Ministries and Agencies in order to address the issue.
Meanwhile, the participants welcomed the training and promised to collaborate in order to implement what they have learned during the day long session.
