Liberian Journalist Urges UN Member States to Strengthen Democratic Governance and Media Rights in Liberia

Strategic Insights -

During the recent Universal Periodic Review (UPR) pre-sessions in Geneva, Switzerland, Liberian journalist and media development practitioner Wremongar Joe presented three key recommendations to UN member states. Joe, speaking on behalf of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), emphasized the need for Liberia to adopt critical media and digital rights reforms. He called for the implementation of comprehensive internet freedom, data protection, and cybersecurity laws, as well as the establishment of an independent broadcast regulator and the transformation of state radio into a genuine public service broadcaster.

Joe also raised concerns about limited transparency and accountability in public institutions. Despite Liberia's Freedom of Information Act being enshrined in law, he noted that public officials frequently ignore requests from journalists and citizens seeking access to spending records and concession agreements. Joe stressed that the Freedom of Information Act exists in theory but is often undermined in practice, and that too many ministries and agencies simply refuse to release contracts or provide public data.

A third area highlighted was press freedom and the safety of journalists. Joe pointed to a pattern of harassment, intimidation, and criminal prosecution of media workers in Liberia, emphasizing that journalists should not be treated as criminals for doing their job. He noted that while progress has been made since the adoption of the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom in 2019, many reporters and activists remain vulnerable to surveillance and intimidation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liberia urgently needs comprehensive internet freedom, data protection, and cybersecurity laws.
  • An independent broadcast regulator should be established to ensure a genuine public service broadcaster that serves all Liberians.
  • The Freedom of Information Act exists in theory but is often undermined in practice, with many ministries and agencies refusing to release contracts or provide public data.
  • Press freedom and the safety of journalists are critical areas that require sustainable commitment and political will.
  • Harassment and intimidation of media workers in Liberia is a persistent pattern that undermines democracy.
  • The KAK Act of Press Freedom (2019) has made progress in decriminalizing certain speech offenses, but real change demands more than new laws.

Statistics:

  • 2019: The Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom was adopted to decriminalize certain speech offenses.
  • The Freedom of Information Act exists in Liberia, but its implementation remains inadequate.
  • Many ministries and agencies refuse to release contracts or provide public data, compromising transparency and accountability.
  • Liberia is one of several countries in West Africa where harassment and intimidation of media workers are common.
  • There has been some progress in decriminalizing speech offenses since the adoption of the KAK Act, but more work is needed to protect journalists and ensure press freedom.

Sources:

  • Wremongar Joe, speaking on behalf of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), "Liberia Urgently Needs Comprehensive Internet Freedom, Data Protection, and Cybersecurity Laws," UN UPR pre-sessions, Geneva, Switzerland.
  • The New Dawn, "Liberian Journalist Urges UN Member States to Strengthen Democratic Governance and Media Rights in Liberia," 2025.