Liberia
Liberia has enjoyed two decades of peace and stability since the second civil war ended in 2003, with the country making considerable progress rebuilding government capacity, reestablishing the rule of law, and ensuring citizens’ political rights and civil liberties. Liberia enjoyed its first peaceful transition of power in decades in 2017, and the 2023 elections were especially competitive. However, corruption, impunity, and violence against women are still major problems.
Research & Recommendations
Liberia
PR Political Rights | 30 40 |
CL Civil Liberties | 34 60 |
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.