jhr’s fight against water pollution in Liberia

Managing Editor of a The Enquirer Newspaper in Monrovia talks about how a jhr trained journalist wrote an article about pollution into a local river by a Firestone Rubber Factory. This article garnered the attention of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who ordered a EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) investigation of the situation. Founded by freed American slaves returning to Africa, Liberia was ruled for over a century by an elite class of ‘Americo-Liberians’ (descendents of the freed slaves). Fed up, native Liberians rebelled, starting a long-string of events that led to a 14 year civil war, devastating the country. Since the official end of war in 2003, Liberia thankfully experienced many positive developments, including the election of Africa’s first female Head of State. Despite some positive developments, the country is still rebuilding and human rights abuses are still commonplace. In the Fall of 2008, jhr started a five-year project in Liberia. These projects are facilitated by the Liberia Media Centre (LMC), a local NGO and jhr’s lead partner on the ground. jhr, in partnership with the LMC, is working alongside local journalists, editors, owners and NGOs to facilitate the following activities: Formal Workshops; Student Workshops; Daily on-the-job training; Informal Workshops; Human Rights Reporting Awards; Train the Trainers; Training at Community Radio; Human Rights Reporting Network. Founded by freed American slaves returning to Africa, Liberia was …

Tagged as: against, Fight, jhr's, Liberia, pollution, Water