The ECOWAS Commission, through the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, organized a three-day capacity-building workshop from July 1 to 3, 2024, for the ECOWAS Protection and Human Security Integrated Coordination Mechanism (ECO-PHSICM). The event was supported by the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), which serves as the coordinating Secretariat for the Mechanism under the Office of the Vice President of Liberia.
The workshop aimed to review Liberia's progress since establishing ECO-PHSICM in 2022 and adopting an Implementation Roadmap. It also sought to update this roadmap considering new issues and develop an Action Plan for its implementation from 2024 to 2026. The Mechanism aims to strengthen protection measures for all individuals within Liberia.
Mr. Arthur Bestman, Acting Director of NCCRM, emphasized the workshop's importance in enhancing national capacities to prevent, respond to, and mitigate human security threats. He highlighted collaborative efforts with partners such as WANEP, the Peace Building Office of Liberia, and GIZ-EPSAO. "He thanked ECOWAS and the Government of Liberia for their continued commitment."
Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, Programme Officer for Trafficking in Persons at ECOWAS, delivered remarks on behalf of Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, ECOWAS Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs. He underscored the significance of protection within a human security framework as outlined in various ECOWAS protocols. He noted special attention given to vulnerable groups like women and children. Mr. Olayemi also mentioned a $25,000 grant provided by ECOWAS to support ECO-PHSICM initiatives.
Dr. Nathaniel B. Walker represented Amb. Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Permanent Representative in Liberia. He stated that strengthening national delivery in protection and human security is crucial due to existing weaknesses in rule of law and fundamental human rights observance.
Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice for Liberia, pledged his Ministry's support for NCCRM and ECO-PHSICM while urging stakeholders to develop strategies that sustain these programs.
Mr. Prince Menkalo Gbieu, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President of Liberia, called on stakeholders to commit fully to mitigating human security risks strategically.
Representatives from various Liberian ministries and organizations also provided remarks during the workshop.
The event included sessions on risk assessment, stakeholder roles mapping within ECO-PHISCM operations, action planning for roadmap implementation, community engagement strategies, gender mainstreaming among other topics.
The workshop concluded with adopting an action plan for implementing Liberia’s Roadmap on Protection and Human Security.
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