By Precious D. Freeman
The Rural Human Rights Activists Program (RHRAP) held a two-day workshop in Gbarnga, bringing together 30 community residents, including the 19 Zonal Heads, members of the Citizen Action Committee (CAC), and local religious, youth, and women leaders.
The sessions that began from October 22 through 23, utilized the Global Force Field Analysis (GFFA) methodology to engage participants in assessing Liberia’s justice sector based on their experiences with the police, courts, and prisons.
This initiative is part of RHRAP’s project, “Promoting Accountability in the Justice Sector to Enhance Democratization in Liberia,” aimed at fostering accountability within the justice system.
Funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the two-year project will evaluate various aspects of Liberia’s justice framework, including engagements with the executive, judiciary, and national Legislature.
RHRAP is committed to working with residents, particularly in rural communities, to identify and address the challenges facing the justice sector.
The program will provide capacity-building support to empower residents to demand accountability from justice providers through appropriate mechanisms.
Findings from these assessments will inform RHRAP and other civil society organizations (CSOs) and international partners in developing interventions that respond to identified issues.
With over 25 years of experience, RHRAP has been dedicated to promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, justice, and democratic values at both local and national levels.
The organization operates in six counties; Bong, Grand Cape Mount, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado and Nimba, addressing various human rights, peace, and governance issues through education, awareness-raising, and sustained advocacy.
Lorma Baysah, the Executive Director of RHRAP, emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement in strengthening Liberia’s justice system.
“Engaging community members is vital for understanding the real challenges they face and fostering a culture of accountability,” she stated.
The recent sessions in Gbarnga marked a significant step in RHRAP’s ongoing efforts to enhance democratic processes and promote human rights throughout Liberia.
By empowering local leaders and residents to voice their concerns and participate actively in the justice sector, RHRAP aims to contribute to a more equitable and just society.
