THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

NEWS SUMMARY FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015

Stories on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s declaration of November 25 as working holiday in observance of the Elimination of Violence against Women, European Union’s support to the Government of Liberia to Curb Gender-based Violence, and EU delegate’s tour of ACF Projects in Grand Cape Mount County are the dominant stories in today’s dailies.

 Dominant Stories  

Ellen Declares Nov. 25 Elimination Of Violence Against Women 

The NEWS newspaper reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, November 25, 2015, through December 10, 2015, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence to be observed throughout the Republic as Working Holidays. The Proclamation calls on all government ministries and agencies, local and international organizations, the Children's Parliament, and the United Nations System as well as the general public to join the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with the Gender-based Violence Taskforce, women organizations and men's groups to plan and implement appropriate programs befitting the occasion. A Foreign Ministry release quotes the Proclamation as saying that the Ministry of Gender being cognizant of the proximity of International Day of Violence Against Women, International Human Rights Day, International Human Right Defenders Day, World AIDS Day and International Day of Disabled Persons as well as  the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, will  jointly observe the above occasions, through a planned programs that would further raise and strengthen the concepts for public consumption and participation. “The 16 Days Activism Against Gender Violence will highlight other significant dates such as November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, December 1, World AIDS Day, December 3, International Day of Disabled Persons, December 6, Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, and December 10, International Human Rights Day,” the Proclamation added. According to the Proclamation, the 2015 Campaign against gender-based violence will be celebrated under the Global Theme: "From Peace in the Home to Peace in World-make Education Safe for All."  The event will also be observed under the national theme: “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World; Safe Spaces and Education for All." The release also added that gender inequality is prevalent and characterized by high levels of poverty, unemployment and illiteracy among youths, women and girls as well as high incidences of sexual and gender-based violence which, according to statistics, revealed that children are the most vulnerable in terms of these practices. The Proclamation also stressed that during the First Women's Global Leadership Conference sponsored by the Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) in 1991, the 25th Day of November was set aside to be observed each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10, 2015, International Human Rights Day, which is also in recognition of the violence against women as a human rights violation and called on governments across the world to work  together in  eliminating the practice.

Related Captions: Today Is International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women (Heritage), Ellen Declares November 25 As International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women (The INFORMER), Pres. Sirleaf Declares 16 Days Of Activism Against GBV (The New Dawn)

EU Supports Gov't Efforts to Curb GBV

The European Union says it welcomes the Government of Liberia’s efforts to curb the rise in Gender-based Violence or GBV. In a remarks at a function to launch the Liberian program for the 16-day global campaign which runs from 25 November to 16 December 2015, European Union Ambassador to Liberia, Tiina Intelmann, said the Government has taken important steps to address the challenge of violence against women and girls, including through the creation of a special SGBV Crime Unit to bolster the investigation and prosecution of these crimes. Nevertheless, Amb. Intelmann expressed concern at the continued high levels of rape and other sexual violence against women. She welcomed the draft Domestic Violence Bill and expressed hope that the National Legislature will pass it swiftly, sending a clear signal to the general public about the unacceptability of gender based violence, reports the New Dawn newspaper.

Related Captions: EU Supports Stance To Curb Gender Based Violence (The NEWS), EU Supports Stance To Curb Gender Based Violence (The INFORMER)

5,000 Liberians Die Of Climate Pollutants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Monrovia has disclosed that over 5,000 Liberians have died as a result of climate pollutants. The EPA warns that short-lived climate pollutants are silent killers and stresses the need for serious attention to address the situation. Liberia joined the Climate Clean Air Coalition in March 2014 to address short-lived climate pollutants as a practical way in curbing near term climate change and reducing high risk from air pollution, while increasing yield in agriculture. Addressing participants Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at a workshop and formal launch of Climate and Clean Air Coalition in Monrovia, Acting EPA Executive Director, Levi Z. Piah said the issue of climate pollutants in Liberia is real and no one should doubt it. The workshop, which was conducted under the auspices of the EPA with support from Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the United Nations Economic Program (UNEP), brought together representatives of government Line Ministries and agencies, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, and various partners, reports the New Dawn newspaper.

Related Captions: EPA, Partners Discuss Pollutants Threat…In Liberia (The NEWS), Acting EPA Boss Wants Short Lived Climate Pollutants Tackled (Heritage), Acting EPA Boss Labels Pollutants As Silent Killer (The INFORMER)

EU Delegates Tour ACF Projects In Grand Cape Mount County

The Head of Sector at the European Union’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), Dr. Philippe Maughan visited Grand Cape Mount County as guest of Action Contre la Faim (ACF) on Wednesday, 18 November to assess the status of ECHO’s funded projects in the County.  During his two-day visit as head of a two person’s delegation, Dr. Maughan and his counterpart, Esmee De-Jong toured three Public Health Units of the county which include Mambo, Bo-Waterside and Sinje Health Centers and expressed satisfaction about the level of progress made by ACF and partner in the implementation of WASH projects in the County. This year ECHO provided a grant of 1.19 million Euro grant to ACF for building and rehabilitating water points and other sanitary facilities of Public Health Units in Grand Cape Mount County that were affected by the EVD outbreak. Grand Cape Mount is among counties that were badly hit by Ebola, something that led to overwhelming of the county health system and the death of many people, reports the FrontPage Africa newspaper.

Related Captions: EU Delegation Visits Cape Mount (The NEWS), ACF, GWEI Lauded For Progress In Providing WASH Support To Cape Mount (In Profile Daily)

Countries Adopt UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy-To Double Number of People on Life-Saving HIV Treatment by 2020

According to the Daily Observer, an estimated 15.8 million people are now on HIV treatment, a doubling from five years ago as countries adopt the UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy using data to fine tune delivery of HIV prevention and treatment services to reach people being left behind. UNAIDS has released a new report showing that countries are getting on the Fast-Track to end AIDS by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. By adapting to a changing global environment and maximizing innovations, countries are seeing greater efficiencies and better results. Progress in responding to HIV over the past 15 years has been extraordinary. By June 2015, UNAIDS estimates that 15.8 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy, compared to 7.5 million people in 2010 and 2.2 million people in 2005. At the end of 2014, UNAIDS estimates that new HIV infections had fallen by 35% since the peak in 2000 and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 42% since the 2004 peak. At the end of 2014, UNAIDS estimates that 36.9 million people were living with HIV. Once diagnosed, people need immediate access to antiretroviral therapy. Countries are gearing up to double the number of people accessing HIV treatment by 2020. This Fast-Track approach will be instrumental in achieving the UNAIDS 90–90–90 treatment target of ensuring that 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 90% of people who know their HIV-positive status are on treatment and 90% of people on treatment have suppressed viral loads.

Related Caption: UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy Adopted-To Double Number Of People On Life-saving HIV Treatment By 2020 (In Profile Daily),Countries Adopt UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy To Double Number Of People On Life-saving HIV Treatment By 2020 (The INFORMER)

OTHER STORIES  

Over 150 Contacts Quarantined 

Health authorities in Liberia say they have quarantined more than 150 contacts including 25 health workers, 10 of which have been described as high risk, as the first victim falls. The authorities said the first confirmed victim, the 15 year old boy died late Monday night, while his father and sibling still remains at the Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU). Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Francis Kateh, said little Nathan Gbotoe tested positive last week and died late Monday, 23 November in hospital in Paynesville, where his father and brother, also positive, are receiving medication. Dr. Kateh, who addressed a news conference Tuesday at the Ministry of Health in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, said 153 persons, who may have come in contact with the deceased prior to his death, have been placed under surveillance, while 25 healthcare workers are being monitored 10 of whom are identified as high-risk. The Chief Medical Officer said the source of the latest virus is being investigated and Liberia has requested assistance from two experts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, reports the New Dawn newspaper.

Education, Health Ministries Conducts Ebola Training

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has concluded a two-day Ebola training workshop on "Safe School" Ebola Prevention and Protocol for teachers and health personnel in the country. The training was geared towards developing the skills of teachers and healthcare workers in Ebola detection and prevention techniques as a means of helping to curb the spread of the EVD in schools and health facilities across the country. The two-day training was held simultaneously at various schools across the country, including the Virginia Public School in Montserrado County, Bassa High School in Grand Bassa County, Catholic Retreat Center in Bong County, as well as the Voinjama Multilateral High School in Lofa County. The training brought together over 500 participants - 356 teachers and 178 health workers, from seven counties - Lofa, Margibi, Bong, Bomi, Bassa, Nimba and Montserrado Counties. The health workers and teachers will work closely with school authorities in hygiene and sanitation promotion so as to keep the school environment clean. According to a release, funding for the training was provided by the Islamic Development Bank, through a grant donated by the Late Saudi King, Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, in support of the Liberian Government’s efforts in fighting the Ebola Virus Disease. The release said the Islamic Development Bank was working in partnership with the government to support the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program of the Ministry of Education, through the construction of latrines and hand-pumps in 210 schools in the nine highly affected Ebola counties, writes the New Dawn newspaper.

Weala Peace Hut Urges Women

The New Dawn newspaper says the president of a women’s group, under the banner: “Women under the Peace Hut,” in Weala Margibi County, has admonished women to engage in undertaking that would impact their lives, rather than roaming the streets unnecessarily. Madam Fatu Coleman also called on women to take interest in business and avoid the dependency on their male counterparts, noting that there were other things women can do to make their lives progressive than being in the streets. Fatu Coleman indicated that women who fail to engage in positive ventures to improve their lives always become liabilities on their husbands and others just to survive. Madam Coleman however, urged men to stop using their female counterparts as slaves through the various types of domestic violence. Meanwhile, the UN Women has embarked on the construction of a US$3,000.00 modern Peace Hut for the women group in Weala, aimed at providing a wider space for the group.

US Diplomat Calls For Youth Empowerment

The Public Affairs Officer at the United States Embassy in Liberia, Paul Hinshaw, said that if Liberian youths are to be stakeholders and stimulate positive change in Liberia’s development, they must not only be engaged, but also integrated into the economic and civil society fabric of the country. According to the Daily Observer, Mr. Hinshaw spoke recently at a program marking the launch of Youth Entrepreneurship Training for 100 emerging youth entrepreneurs in Kakata, Margibi County. He said that it is vital for Liberian youths to be empowered to seize opportunities available to them, and to turn ideas into actions, and actions into income. According to Hinshaw, encouraging entrepreneurship and facilitating an expanding, inclusive economy are two cornerstones of much of the Embassy’s work in Liberia, adding that the Youth Entrepreneurship Training being implemented by Better Future Foundation (BFF), a partner of the of the US Embassy, underpins this goal. He said one way of engaging youths to make them stakeholders is through entrepreneurship, adding, "a rising tide lifts all boats."  

National Spiritual Reform Conference Begins Today 

According to the Heritage newspaper, a five-day national spiritual reformer conference named and styled: the National Spiritual Reform Campaign (NSRC) is expected to begin today, Wednesday, November 25 at the Open-Air Sports Commission on Broad Street in Monrovia. The conference is expected to end on Sunday, November 29. The NSRC conference, which is being hosted by Apostle J. Festus Bundor, is organized by various Christian organizations, including ETREM of Christ, Inc. and the National Spiritual Reform Campaign in collaboration with Believers in Christ Summit.

MICAT, UNESCO World Heritage Sign Agreement

The Heritage newspaper reports, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) has signed an agreement with the World Heritage Center of UNESCO to hold a workshop in line with its tentative list under the UNESCO International Assistance Program. Assistant Information Minister for Culture, Louise McMillan signed for Liberia while the Director of the Heritage Division of the World Heritage Center, Mechtild Rossler, signed for UNESCO in Paris, France, according to a release issued on Monday by the Liberian Mission in Paris. As contained in the agreement valued at over US$29,000, UNESCO will identify and issue contracts to one international expert in World Heritage Convention, and two national experts in natural and cultural heritage, to prepare and lead the Tentative List workshop. According to the release, the experts will also ensure that a wide range of stakeholders are aware and involved in the preparation and finalization of the Tentative List, including site managers, local and regional governments, local communities, NGOs, the media and other interested parties and partners. MICAT was granted the agreement under the framework of the International Assistance request for the “World Heritage Tentative List Workshop for Liberia” as submitted by the State Party of Liberia and approved by the Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee.

Related Caption:MICAT, UNESCO Sign Agreement(Daily Observer)

ECLRD, Religious Leader Validate anti-SGBV Toolkit

The Episcopal Church of Liberia Relief and Development (ECLRD) initiative concluded a one-day working session with interfaith religious leaders in Monrovia to validate a tool-kit developed by the church to help religious leaders fight Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGVB) in Liberia. The toolkit was prepared and facilitated by Dr. Moses Blonkanjay Jackson an educator, and the program’s lead consultant. Mr. Jonah Boykai, SGBV Manager at ECLRD said, “What we are doing here today is validating a toolkit that will be used by our religious leaders to fight SFBV because of the large congregations in various churches and mosques. Therefore, we feel that they can easily spread the out against violence towards women and girls”, reports Daily Observer.