Human Security Initiative in the Most Neglected Communities With the Integration of Efforts by the UN Country Team in Liberia

While Liberia has benefited from improved peace and security since the end of its 14 year civil war in 2003, a fragile protective environment continues to generate vulnerabilities among the population. Meanwhile, political events in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire in 2010 caused a large influx of Ivorian refugees as well as Liberian returnees into the country’s southeast region thus placing additional stress on historically marginalized border communities. Socio-economic security remains a major concern, in particular how conflict over land, weak social cohesion, poor infrastructure and low incomes prevent the local population from living with dignity.

The programme aims to protect and empower the most vulnerable populations in south-eastern Liberia through sustainable and participatory measures. Specifically, the objectives of the programme are to: (i) nurture local leadership in social cohesion, reconciliation and peacebuilding among communities; (ii) improve food and economic security through improved infrastructure, employment opportunities, skills training and strengthened agricultural groups; (iii) set-up comprehensive and preventive measures to respond to sexual and gender-based violence and issues related to the well-being of women and children; and (iv) strengthen the health of the local population through improved services for HIV/AIDS and sanitation. All interventions work closely with local groups and reinforce their capacity to engage in community-based development.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary
FAO Article “UN Trust Fund Project – Enhancing Agriculture and Peacebuilding” 
FAO Article “Harvest Will Be Better – FAO and Partners Participate in Harvest of Rice in Bunadin on One of Several Rice Fields under the United Nations Trust Fund Project”
WFP Article “WFP Lauds Human Security Trust Fund Project during National Symposium in Ganta”
HSTF Brochure July
HSTF Brochure March
A Success Story of a Cross Border Trader & Project Brief
Beneficiaries’ Testimonies