The Chair of the Liberia configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Amb. Prince Zeid of Jordan, briefed the members of the configuration on progress made in finalizing Liberia’s peacebuilding program and related activities, as well as an upcoming visit to Liberia (12 – 17 June), on 25 May.

Liberia’s Comprehensive Peacebuilding Program

During the short meeting, the Chair updated Member States on his most recent activities with regard to the final stages of drafting Liberia’s peacebuilding program, consisting of essential planning documents, including the ‘Priority Plan’ and the ‘Peacebuilding Programming document’. Currently in its second drafting phase, the comprehensive peacebuilding program document has been distributed among Member States for comment and input.  The final document will constitute a comprehensive reference on existing programs and peacebuilding activities in Liberia, upon which funding and further endeavors can accurately be based.

Among his recent activities, the Chair met with the Liberia Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on 5 May, to discuss details of the country’s peacebuilding program.  The Chair highlighted several areas of particular importance in the discussion:

• Length of the programming document: In its original form, the programming document was too lengthy and unrealistic in its expectations for funding.  The Chair proposed that expected costs would have to be halved in the updated plan, from the original $100 million (USD) funding proposal, to $50 million (USD).
• Issue realignment: The Chair remarked that an emphasis on funding and implementing ‘correction facilities’ in Liberia were removed from the draft, as such activities veered off the path of the PBC’s peacebuilding mandate in Liberia.  Additionally, the Chair called for a greater emphasis on youth employment in the final programming document.
• Compensation Fund for Land Disputes: The Chair was particularly concerned with plans for a compensation fund for land disputes in the country – pointing to potential fuel for conflict if adequate funds are not made available for this activity. 
• Structure of JSC and PBC relationship: Another change was made in the final programming document.  Where previously the document had listed the JSC as ‘providing the overall vision’ for peacebuilding in Liberia, the Chair called for a change, emphasizing that the PBC should provide this essential function.  In addition, in future meetings of the JSC, the Chair of the Liberia configuration will be present. 

The PBC in Liberia is currently in the process of laying out a comprehensive funding document for all activities, and the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) is reviewing the programming document to determine which activities can be funded by the Office.

Update on Liberia Security and Justice Hubs

The Chair shared several updates on progress in the construction of the first of several security and justice hubs in Gbarnga, Liberia (an essential component of the security sector reform (SSR) priority contained in Liberia’s ‘Statement of Mutual Commitments’):

• Funds for the construction of the first hub (in Gbarnga, Bong County) must be raised in full prior to its official opening.
• The search for a ‘hub coordinator’ has begun.  Authorities are looking for someone with expertise in security and justice coordination, preferably a native Liberian.  Terms of Reference for this position have been sent out to Member States.
• Construction on the first building – a security training school – will begin shortly, employing nearly 100 youths in the area.  6 – 7 more buildings will be constructed by October 2011.
• The ‘Justice and Security Trust Fund’ already active in Liberia will align its work with that of the first hub. 

Liberia Mission Visit (12 – 17 June)

The Chair will visit Liberia from 12 – 17 June, during which the redrafting of Liberia’s ‘Statement of Mutual Commitments & Draft Rolling Deliverable Targets’ document will be discussed, as well as preparations for upcoming Presidential elections in Liberia in November 2011.  The Chair will also participate in the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding, to be held in Monrovia from 14 – 17 June, where G7+ nations will engage with development partners on how to best to support fragile and post-conflict states in their development goals.

Though the Chair’s next visit to Liberia has yet to be scheduled, the estimated date is likely to be in January 2012.   The Chair urged members of the configuration to make attendance at the next mission visit a priority.