{"id":8851,"date":"2024-09-08T17:24:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T17:24:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youthdemocracycohort.com\/?post_type=storiesprojects&p=8851"},"modified":"2025-11-20T15:12:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T15:12:30","slug":"youth-legislative-caucus-of-liberia-bridging-the-gap-for-inclusive-decision-making","status":"publish","type":"storiesprojects","link":"https:\/\/youthdemocracycohort.com\/fr\/stories\/youth-legislative-caucus-of-liberia-bridging-the-gap-for-inclusive-decision-making\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth Legislative Caucus of Liberia: Bridging the Gap for Inclusive Decision-Making"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Where\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Liberia<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Implemented by<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Youth<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Abstract\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

ABSTRACT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Liberia\u2019s youth, who make up about 74.6% of the population, have long been underrepresented in the legislative decision-making process. Although young people are a demographic majority, they are often sidelined in legislative debates that impact critical areas such as employment, education, and climate change. Recognising this gap, the Youth Legislative Caucus was established to advocate for the interests of the youth in Liberia\u2019s national legislature and ensure their voices are heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BRIEF DESCRIPTION<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Description\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Youth Legislative Caucus<\/strong> of the 55th National Legislature <\/strong>was officially established on March 18, 2024. This initiative was proposed by Hon. Ernest Manseah of Nimba County, following the development of legislation by two youth activists, Ernest Duku Jallah and Isaac Muapoh. The Caucus is a groundbreaking move to bring young lawmakers together under the age of 45, with the mission of actively engaging in legislative processes to advocate for youth-centric policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OBJECTIVES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Advocate for Youth Interests:<\/strong> The Caucus aims to represent the voices and concerns of young people within the legislative framework, ensuring youth-related issues are prioritised in national policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Foster Youth-Government Dialogue:<\/strong> It serves as a bridge between Liberia\u2019s youth and the Legislature, promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Promote Civic Engagement:<\/strong> By involving young people in the legislative process, the Caucus encourages greater civic participation and responsibility towards governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Empower Young Lawmakers:<\/strong> The Caucus provides a platform for young lawmakers to engage in leadership roles, fostering their development as effective advocates and decision-makers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Institutionalize Youth Engagement:<\/strong> The Caucus seeks to establish a sustainable framework for long-term youth participation in legislative processes, strengthening democratic governance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    KEY MILESTONES & ACTIVITIES <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    \"KEY<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Formation and Membership:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Caucus was formed with an open invitation to youthful lawmakers and those committed to youth advocacy. It aims to include members under the age of 45, ensuring a diverse and representative body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"KEY<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    National Budget Town Hall (April 2024):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A town hall was organised to gather input from young people regarding the national budget. This initiative aimed to ensure that youth perspectives were considered during the budget hearings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"KEY<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Resolution for War and Economic Crimes Court (April 2024):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Caucus member Representative Sumo Mulbah advanced a resolution, endorsed by the Caucus, to establish a war and economic crimes court in Liberia, demonstrating the Caucus\u2019s commitment to justice and accountability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"KEY<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Deliberative Meeting with Ambassador Sjostrom (May 2024):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A strategic meeting with Ambassador Sjostrom led to the proposal for a working session to develop a comprehensive legislative agenda, work plan, and strategic plan for the Caucus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Despite its promising start, the Youth Legislative Caucus has faced challenges due to the absence of a comprehensive legislative agenda, work plan, and strategic plan. This lack of structure has limited its ability to coordinate efforts effectively and maximise its impact on youth-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    EXPECTED OUTCOMES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n