Liberia: Action Aid, Civil Society Groups Petition Liberia’s Legislature for Debt and Climate Justice

MONROVIA — ActionAid Liberia has led more than 20 civil society organizations in presenting the Monrovia Climate Declaration to the House of Representatives, calling for debt justice, increased climate financing and stronger action to protect Liberia from the impacts of climate change.

The declaration was presented through the House Committee on Claims and Petitions, chaired by Montserrado County District #8 Representative Prince Toles, following the launch of the National Debt and Climate Audit Report on Liberia.

The report examines Liberia’s growing public debt, estimated at US$2.84 billion, and its implications for national development, public spending, and the country’s ability to respond effectively to climate change.

Presenting the declaration, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Lawrence Yealue, said the petition was not a protest but a democratic call for action on behalf of citizens across Liberia.

“We have come here today not to protest, but to present a petition that represents the collective voice of civil society organizations and citizens of Liberia,” Yealue said.

He said the declaration is backed by research conducted by ActionAid Liberia and reflects growing concern over the country’s debt burden and the urgent need for policies that promote both debt and climate justice.

Yealue noted that although Liberia continues to meet its debt obligations, the country’s rising debt burden is limiting the government’s capacity to invest adequately in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, roads and other essential public services.

He also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Liberia, despite the country’s relatively small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Yealue, Liberia continues to face serious climate-related challenges, including coastal erosion, flooding, and other environmental threats.

“The countries of the Global North have historically contributed the most to climate change,” he said. “As they continue to ask countries like Liberia to preserve our forests and protect the environment, they must also take responsibility by providing debt relief and increased climate financing. We are not the cause of this crisis, yet we are paying the highest price.”

Yealue urged the Liberian Legislature to take a more active role in advocating for debt cancellation, debt relief, and climate justice. He also said civil society organizations will continue to raise Liberia’s concerns internationally, including at the upcoming COP31 Climate Conference.

“This is a call to action,” Yealue stressed. “Together with ActionAid Liberia and citizens across the country, we are asking our lawmakers to stand with us as we push for fair debt policies, debt relief, and meaningful climate justice.”

Part of National Climate Debt Campaign

The petition forms part of the ongoing National Climate Debt Campaign, launched under the theme, “Who Owes Who? Join the Campaign and Have Your Say.”

The campaign is calling on the Liberian Government and the international community to reduce the country’s debt-servicing obligations and redirect resources toward climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as national development priorities such as education, healthcare, roads, and infrastructure.

The Monrovia Climate Declaration is based on findings from the National Debt and Climate Audit Report, a research initiative conducted by ActionAid Liberia to examine Liberia’s public debt and its implications for climate justice and sustainable development.

Before the declaration was presented to the Legislature, leaders of more than 20 civil society organizations, led by Yealue, formally signed the document to demonstrate their collective commitment to its recommendations and objectives.

The declaration represents a united effort by Liberia’s civil society organizations to amplify the country’s voice nationally and internationally and to push for debt justice, climate justice, and a more equitable and climate-resilient future.