Monrovia, Liberia – September 11, 2025: Twenty representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and media institutions are participating in a three-day capacity-building training on legislative monitoring, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD).
The training is part of the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden.
The initiative aims to strengthen legislative transparency, citizen participation, and inclusive governance in Liberia. Running from September 10–12, the program is designed to enhance the capacity of CSOs and media actors to proactively monitor and promote legislative openness.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
In his opening remarks, Cllr. Oscar Bloh, NIMD Country Director, emphasized that transparency, participation, and inclusion are essential pillars of effective legislative monitoring. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained beyond the training room.
“If the knowledge gained is not translated into action, it will amount to a waste of both time and resources,” said Cllr. Oscar Bloh
He also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement, noting that Liberia ranked among the lowest globally in the 2022 Open Parliamentary Report and did not participate in the most recent Open Parliamentary Index, leaving its current standing unclear.
Institutional Support for Civil Society Engagement
Mildred Siryon, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, presented on “The Legislative Process in Liberia. From Bill to Law.” She announced the Legislature’s approval of a Civil Society Desk, a recommendation she made following a peer-learning exchange with the Parliament of Sierra Leone, facilitated by NIMD.
This development laid the groundwork for the current training, which aims to build networks, coordinate strategies, and foster innovation in legislative monitoring.
EU Reaffirms Support for Civil Society
Dr. Anna Brzozowska, Team Leader for Governance at the EU Delegation, praised Liberia’s ongoing reforms and the critical role of civil society in the process. She commended the General Auditing Commission for its work and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting civil society.
“The European Union values civil society contributions across all sectors and is currently developing a new Roadmap for Civil Society Engagement to better respond to Liberia’s needs,”— Dr. Anna Brzozowska
She emphasized that civil society will continue to play a vital role in monitoring investments, safeguarding labor rights, and ensuring environmental protection, especially as Liberia works to improve its business climate.
About the Liberia Electoral Support Project
The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and democratic processes that promote inclusive and accountable governance.
It is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, with funding from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
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