Published: August 3, 2026
MONROVIA – Liberia has taken another step toward strengthening social safeguards in development projects as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with support from the World Bank, validated the country’s draft National Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Policy Framework, a proposed national policy designed to protect the rights, livelihoods and welfare of people affected by land acquisition and resettlement.
The draft policy framework was endorsed Thursday during a National Validation Workshop held at the EPA Conference Room in Monrovia, bringing together senior government officials, development partners, technical experts and key stakeholders to review the document ahead of its formal adoption.
According to the EPA, the proposed framework will establish national standards for managing land acquisition and resettlement arising from public and private sector development projects while ensuring that Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are treated fairly, transparently and in accordance with internationally accepted safeguards.
The EPA said the draft framework forms part of Liberia’s broader efforts to promote environmentally sustainable and socially responsible development by creating clear guidelines for addressing resettlement challenges associated with infrastructure, investment and other national development initiatives.
The agency noted that the policy seeks to balance Liberia’s development ambitions with the protection of citizens whose homes, land or livelihoods may be affected by major projects.
Once adopted, the framework is expected to guide government institutions, development partners and private investors in planning and implementing resettlement processes in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of affected communities.
The validation workshop brought together a broad range of institutions with responsibilities relating to land governance, environmental management, infrastructure development and social protection.
Participants included representatives of the World Bank, the Liberia Land Authority, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Development Authority, Liberia Electricity Corporation, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, National Bureau of Concessions, and the Union of Certified Environmental Consultants of Liberia, alongside senior EPA officials and technical staff.
The broad participation reflected the government’s multi-sectoral approach to developing a comprehensive policy capable of addressing the complex issues surrounding land acquisition, resettlement and community protection.
The EPA described the validation exercise as a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to establish a comprehensive national resettlement policy that safeguards affected communities while supporting sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development.
According to the agency, the framework will help ensure that future development initiatives are implemented in a manner that protects vulnerable populations, promotes fairness and transparency, and strengthens public confidence in Liberia’s land acquisition and resettlement processes.
The proposed National Resettlement Action Plan Policy Framework is expected to serve as a key policy instrument in guiding future public and private investment projects while reinforcing the country’s commitment to responsible, inclusive and people-centered development.
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