MONROVIA, Liberia — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has expressed concern over the continuing social and economic consequences of Liberia’s history of political violence, calling for stronger efforts to preserve peace and protect civic freedoms.
PUL President Julius Kanubah raised the concern Monday while delivering the keynote address during Liberia’s observance of the International Day of Peace at the Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Center (LOIC) in New Matadi.
Kanubah said the end of Liberia’s civil war more than two decades ago has not eliminated the conditions that can undermine lasting peace, pointing to persistent poverty, inequality and insecurity affecting communities across the country.
He also highlighted concerns over human rights, particularly the protection of women and girls, opportunities for young people to participate in public affairs, and the need for greater awareness and responsible conduct in Liberia’s growing digital environment.
The PUL president urged national stakeholders to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups, create greater space for youth and critical voices, and support initiatives designed to consolidate peace and social cohesion.
He further called for increased investment in responsible digital citizenship, stressing the importance of ensuring that Liberia’s online spaces contribute to constructive public engagement rather than deepen social tensions.
The International Day of Peace activities were organized by the Civil Peace Service Liberia Network, a coalition of seven civil society organizations working to promote peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The event, held at the LOIC headquarters, brought together approximately 100 participants representing different sectors of society.
The global observance was held under the United Nations theme, “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, and Every Day.” Liberia’s commemoration adopted the local theme, “Protect People, Protect Voices, Promote Responsible Digital Citizenship.”
Coordinator of the Civil Peace Service Liberia Network, Decontee George, said the local theme reflects the increasing influence of digital platforms on Liberia’s civic participation, public conversations and advocacy.
George also drew attention to gender-based abuse and harassment occurring online, calling for greater protection of people who participate in digital spaces.
She stressed that efforts to make online platforms safer should go hand in hand with protecting citizens’ ability to express their views and participate in public discourse.
The observance provided a platform for participants to reflect on Liberia’s post-war peace, the challenges facing citizens and the need for sustained efforts to strengthen human rights, peaceful engagement and responsible civic participation.
