A journey of hope and justice: The CHI success story
In 2024, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and LGBTQI+ rights defenders in Liberia faced escalating threats, including harassment and violence.
Operating in a hostile environment with minimal institutional protection made their work increasingly risky.
Safety and security protocol and training
Through the Embassy of Ireland-funded Human Rights Defenders project, implemented by three Liberian civil society organisations, a comprehensive safety and security protocol was developed.
Training in integrated security was provided for over 50 human rights defenders (including LGBTQI activists), offering safe reporting channels, psychosocial support services, and legal aid referrals.
Strengthening collaboration amongst networks
These trainings further strengthened collaboration among networks of defenders. In March 2024, two staff members of a partner organisation, CHI (Community Healthcare Initiative), were abducted by a group associated with female genital mutilation.
For the first time, women and LGBTQI+ rights defenders came together to develop an integrated safety and security protocol to protect themselves while continuing their advocacy.
In response, the project mobilised Liberian women human rights defenders, formed collaborations with development partners, and secured legal redress, which led to the arrest of a traditional leader.
Through CHI’s sustained advocacy, their staff members were released along with three other young girls who had been abducted.
They were subsequently provided with mental health and psychosocial support.
Survivor-centred support
One of the survivors shared: “I thought no one would come for me. I was terrified, but CHI fought for us and gave me hope.”
Today, Ireland has increased support to the three local civil society consortia to strengthen work on human rights defenders, focusing on strengthening network and protection mechanisms, and survivor-centred support.