The Alliance for Rural Democracy (ARD), has launched the ‘’Community Advocacy for Land and Livelihood Support’’ (CALLS) project in Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties.
The project is intended to empower communities affected by the operations of large multinational corporations in both Counties.
The launching of the project brought together various stakeholders from communities impacted by the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Margibi County and Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) in Grand Bassa County, both subsidiaries of the Luxembourg-based SOCFIN Group.
Funded by HEKS, the CALLS project targets over 36 affected communities, 22 in Margibi County impacted by SRC and 14 in Grand Bassa County affected by LAC.
For decades, these corporations have been accused of infringing on the rights of indigenous populations, limiting access to farming land, contaminating water supplies, and desecrating gravesites, all contributing to the impoverishment of local residents.
The initiative aims to reverse these trends by advocating for the return of community lands and compensation for damages. CALLS will also empower communities by increasing legal awareness and resilience against corporate abuses, promoting gender inclusion, and supporting women’s leadership in community governance.
According to Madam Windor Smith, Head of Secretariat of the Alliance for Rural Democracy, the project will focus on advocacy for land rights aiming to strengthen community campaigns for land reclamation through policy advocacy and increasing awareness about land rights, including the right to refuse further concessions and demand free prior informed consent.
She noted that project will also center around community participation by encouraging stronger organizational leadership within affected communities; provide legal assistance for Human Rights Defenders and empowering and promoting women and their roles in community decision-making, particularly through microloan schemes and livelihood programs aimed at increasing women’s economic participation.
During the launch event, local officials, including land administrators, police commanders, and gender officers, expressed their support for the project.
Nathaniel S. Mcthompson, Grand Bassa County’s Land Administrator, commended ARD for its timely intervention, highlighting the lack of resources his office faced in addressing land-related concerns in the LAC community. “Our office is open to support your work at any time,” Mcthompson stated.
Other community leaders, including Abraham Kamara, chairman of the Yeabamah National Congress for Human Rights (YNCHR), a local organization advocating for communties affected by the operations of the Liberia Agricultural Company, extended gratitude to the NGOs for their ongoing efforts. “Let God continue to bless the works of the organization,” Kamara said.
Police and gender officials also voiced their readiness to collaborate. Abigail B. Smith, Special Assistant to the police commander in Buchanan, pledged the Liberia National Police, Grand Bassa County Detachment’s support for the project, while Ruth Fatu Armah of the Ministry of Gender in Margibi expressed enthusiasm about the project’s focus on gender empowerment.
The CALLS project marks a significant step towards addressing land and livelihood issues faced by indigenous communities in Liberia. By building solidarity and providing the necessary resources, the NGOs involved hope to create a lasting impact on the affected populations.
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