In 2018, Liberia stood at a critical crossroads. The UN peacekeeping mission, , began its final drawdown after providing 15 years of vital post-conflict stabilization. Yet, while the immediate threat of violence from the 1989–2003 civil wars had passed, the complex structural drivers behind the conflict required long-term, domestic solutions.
With historical challenges like weak accountability systems, limited access to justice, and deep socioeconomic inequalities still looming large, a new question hung over the country. As the peacekeepers departed, could Liberia sustain and deepen its hard-won peace alone?"
Photo above: Downtown Monrovia, Liberia. Credit: UNDP Photo below: UNMIL-supported elections in 2005. Credit: UN Photo
From insecurity to hard-worn peace
When UNMIL left, there was widespread fear that human rights violations would go unreported, fracturing public trust and weakening state accountability. Conflict early-warning systems began to deteriorate, threatening the country’s ability to prevent violence before it escalated.
Liberia’s stability remained fragile. The unfinished business of addressing the root causes of its past civil wars weighed heavily on its people.
Locally-led peace and human rights processes
Through the UN Peacebuilding Fund, a milestone was realized - the establishment of a standalone (OHCHR) country office, allowing a dedicated institutional anchor to continue Liberia’s journey towards lasting peace.
OHCHR Liberia worked with the Government, national human rights institutions, and civil society organizations to build the state’s internal capacity to monitor, report, and act upon threats to human rights and justice.
Adama K. Dempster, Secretary GeneralHuman Rights Advocacy PlatformWhen UNMIL left, many of us worried that no one would be watching what happened in our communities. Knowing that OHCHR stayed gave us some confidence that our concerns would still be heard.”
Building trust, safeguarding human rights
Ahead of its general elections in 2023, as anxiety rose among the public over insecurity, hate speech, and misinformation, a targeted peacebuilding initiative was put into motion.
Targeting political hotspots in the country, such as Nimba County, where communities historically faced high levels of exclusion and electoral violence, the initiative empowered vulnerable groups—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—ensuring their voices and protection needs were central to local security strategies.
Rev. Richard D. Gbarduo, MemberLiberia Peace Building OfficeDuring the elections, the early?warning work helped us respond faster when tensions started to rise. It didn’t solve every problem, but it made it easier for us to act before things got out of hand.”
Rebuilding trust, ensuring safety
State security forces and police officers underwent rigorous training on rights-based approaches to electoral security. Instead of heavy-handed policing tactics that could provoke crowds, security actors deployed de-escalation strategies and community engagement techniques, guaranteeing a secure environment on election day.
A blueprint for locally-led stability
In a historic moment for Liberia’s democracy, the 2023 elections concluded peacefully with a remarkable 80 percent voter turnout—marking the first time the process was primarily organized and administered by Liberians.
While the initiatives did not erase Liberia's deep structural challenges overnight, they provided clear legal procedures, stronger community networks, and consistent institutional support. They ensured that Liberians had reliable early-warning mechanisms and functional channels to voice grievances without resorting to violence.
Today, Liberia’s journey toward lasting stability continues. Backed by a local OHCHR presence, streamlined internal justice systems, and an empowered civil society, the country is proving despite a long and painful legacy of war, the road to a self-sustained, locally-led peace in Liberia is possible.
Our partners in peacebuilding in Liberia
For 20 years, the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund has empowered people to rebuild their communities and countries in the aftermath of conflict and crisis, working with them to build the resilience needed to prevent the recurrence of violence and secure lasting peace.
The initiatives in Liberia led by , the and the with critical support from the Liberian Government entities and local organizations - community-based, civil society, women and youth groups.
UN Peacebuilding initiatives are made possible by the generous contributions of Member States and the indispensable support of implementing partners, including UN agencies and local organizations.