By Bill W. Cooper
The President’s Young Professionals Program (PYPP) in collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has kicked off a two-day Human Rights Youth Dialogue in Monrovia.
The youth dialogue on human rights issues, which runs from September 17 to 18, 2024, is in the context of the 2023 General and Presidential Run-offs elections in the country.
This event, ongoing at the Bella Cassa Hotel, is aimed at empowering young Liberians to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, while also addressing the pressing human rights issues facing the nation, especially during electioneering period.
Liberia, a nation still healing from the scars of civil war and political instability, was at a critical juncture during the country’s most anticipated 2023 general and Presidential elections.
The political landscape in October of 2023, was charged, with various parties and candidates vying for various positions, but the process was however marred by some electoral violence, which led to the death of some Liberians.
However, owing to the fact that the youth make up a significant portion of the electorate, the dialogue comes at a crucial time, as it seeks to harness this energy and direct it towards constructive engagement in the country’s future electoral process.
During day one of the dialogue focused on the presentation of Human Rights and elections, including group discussions on youth participation in elections, plenary presentations of group discussions, among others.
While day two is expected to focus on presentation of OHCHR’s report on the human rights issues in the context of the 2023 General and Presidential Run-offs elections and group discussions on the report, lessons learnt, and proposals from youth leaders and Plenary presentations and discussions.
Remarking during the opening, the OHCHR Human Rights Officer, Cardine D. Silwe Swse, stressed the importance of free and fair elections, emphasizing that every citizen has the right to participate in the political process without fear of intimidation or violence.
She noted, “Elections are not just about casting votes; they are about ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. Young people have the power to shape the future of this nation, and it is essential that they understand their rights and the mechanisms available to protect them.”
Earlier giving the purpose of the dialogue, PYPP Executive Director, Ciata Stevens d’Almeida, said the dialogue will feature testimonials from young activists who have been involved in various human rights campaigns in Liberia, during and after the country’s electoral processes.
She added that these stories served as powerful reminders of the impact that youth can have when they mobilize for change, disclosing that participants will be encouraged to take an active role in the 2029 elections, not only as voters but also as advocates for human rights and accountability.
For her part, one of the commissioners from the National Elections Commission (NEC), Ernestine Morgan Awar, praised the organizing institutions for the dialogue, which she described as timely.
According to her, the collaboration between the President’s Young Professionals Program and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights underscores the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process of the country.
Cllr. Awar has at the same narrated that as the country prepares for its future elections precisely the 2029 general elections, the voices of young people will be crucial in shaping the future of the nation.
