(Monrovia, Liberia, December 11, 2024)—The Ministry of Health with the support of The Carter Center has conducted a three-day Review and Validation Workshop on Mental Health Legislation in Monrovia. The event seeks to advance Liberia’s mental health legal framework, promoting equitable access to services, safeguarding human rights, and fostering societal inclusion for individuals living with mental health conditions. The workshop, which runs for three days, has brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, health practitioners, legal experts, law enforcement personnel, civil society organizations, individuals with lived experiences, and international partners. In his opening remarks, Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of Mental Health, Ministry of Health stressed the importance of revisiting and improving Liberia’s mental health regulations and developing regulations, with the ultimate goal of educating the general public about the rights of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders.
“This meeting is very crucial for activities pertaining to mental health across the country. Although the Mental Health Law of Liberia was signed in 2017, it has not been widely disseminated, and many mental health professionals and the public are unaware of its provisions. This gap in awareness and clarity has necessitated today’s discussions, supported by our esteemed partners, including the Carter Center and prominent legal experts like Cllr. Tiawon S. Gongloe and Cllr. J. Augustine Toe, with the support of Cllr. Tomik L. Vobah and his team from the Office of General Counsel at the Ministry of Health” he added. Dr. Ziah emphasized that the workshop aims to address concerns, align the regulations with best practices, and reach a consensus on the implementation strategies for the law across Liberia. He officially declared the workshop open, stating: “We must ensure this regulation becomes the best standard possible, promoting the rights and safety of all Liberians, particularly those with mental health challenges.”
Dr. Kashef Ijaz, Carter Center’s Vice President for Health Program, acknowledged the importance of the initiative. “This is a significant milestone for Liberia. These regulations are a step towards modernizing laws dating back to the 1800s. Our shared goal is to protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and ensure they receive the services they deserve. Disseminating this information to policymakers, providers, and the public is as crucial as formulating the regulations.” Dr. Ijaz He further applauded Liberia’s commitment to enhancing mental health systems and pledged Carter Center’s continued support. Cllr. Tomik L. Vobah of the Ministry of Health Office of the General Counsel, provided insights into the purpose of the regulations, stating: “The regulation gives meaning to the law and helps enforce it. Mental health services intersect with the rights of individuals and the state’s responsibility to ensure safety. While addressing concerns like involuntary treatment for public safety, the regulations also prioritize the dignity and rights of persons with mental health challenges. We must ensure this law becomes a tool for justice, protection, and service delivery.”