From 2008 to 2010 the Civil Society Index was implemented in Liberia by AGENDA, with the international coordination of CIVICUS. The implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country.
Beyond Numbers: An Assessment of the Liberian Civil Society
Over 55% of Liberian citizens are actively engaged in civic life, a percentage that can be considered quite progressive for a country less than 10 years out of a civil war. This result, which came out of the CIVICUS Civil Society Index (CSI) report for Liberia released this week, illustrates a strength for Liberian civil society to address the many challenges the country faces.
Yet, not all results from the CSI report were as positive: the report also highlights the isolation of Liberian civil society. Only 2.7% of civil society in Liberia is linked or connected to the international community. The number is even lower when looking at civil society organisations (CSOs) outside the Liberian capital of Monrovia. Lack of funding and poor access to information and communication technologies mean that Liberian CSOs operate in close to complete isolation from the international civil society and development communities.
Despite this, and other challenges facing Liberia's civil society, the report highlights remarkable successes in its ability to effectively influence public policy. The CSI report also provides evidence that civil society space in post-conflict Liberia may broaden, ensuring that citizens are given increased room and opportunity to contribute to policy and decision-making.
CSI Country Reports in Liberia
CSI Report (2008-2010): Executive Summary.
CSI Report (2008-2010): Full Report
