NAP Development Process
Status
The Liberian Government, through its Pro Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development of July 2018, committed to “developing and implementing a national action plan for implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”
In January 2019, a National Steering Committee on Business and Human Rights, chaired by the Ministry of Justice and co-chair by the Ministry of Labor, was appointed to lead efforts in developing and drafting the NAP on Business and Human Rights.
In February 2019, the Ministry of Justice organized the first high-level forum with relevant government ministries, selected businesses, other relevant partners, and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights to identify the most significant capacity and capability gaps to achieve effective remedial outcomes for rights-holders, and explore practical ways to address those gaps.
A National Secretariat of the Business and Human Rights of Liberia has been established and is engaged in drafting the NAP.
Between October and November 2022, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights visited Liberia and praised the efforts on the development of a NAP, however there was apprehension regarding the lack of oversight in certain regions of the country.
Process
In January 2019, a National Steering Committee on Business and Human Rights, chaired by the Ministry of Justice and co-chair by the Ministry of Labor, was appointed to lead efforts in developing and drafting the NAP on Business and Human Rights. Other Institutions that are serving on the committee include: the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR); our International Partners; Civil Society Representatives; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Commerce; the Liberia Chamber of Commerce; the National Investment Commission; the National Bureau of Concession; the Ministry of Gender; Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
In February 2019, the Ministry of Justice organized the first high-level forum with relevant government ministries, selected businesses, other relevant partners, and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights to identify the most significant capacity and capability gaps to achieve effective remedial outcomes for rights-holders, and explore practical ways to address those gaps.
A National Secretariat of the Business and Human Rights of Liberia has been established, and is leading the day-to-day activities of the Steering Committee and has thus far achieved the following:
- A roadmap and work plan developed to guide the drafting of the NAP on Business and Human Rights;
- Establish a Business and Human Rights Implementation Group (BHRIG), comprising of Government, civil society, trade unions, and relevant businesses;
- Organized three technical sessions and produced the first draft of the NAP;
- Have identified gaps and instituted measures to prohibit violation including discrimination and abuse against women in public and private sectors; and
- Concluded an awareness and media outreach exercise in 3 counties (Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, and Rivercess respectively) to enhance the knowledge and understanding of citizens and residents in the country on the development of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights by the Government and partners.
Stakeholders views and analysis on the NAP
Between October and November 2022, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights visited Liberia and praised the efforts on the development of a NAP, however there was apprehension regarding the lack of oversight in certain regions of the country.
