Liberian journalist and media development practitioner Wremongar Joe has called on United Nations member states to push Liberia toward stronger protection for media freedom, digital rights, and transparency in governance.

Joe delivered his appeal on Tuesday during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Pre-sessions in Geneva, where civil society groups and national human rights institutions brief diplomats ahead of Liberia’s upcoming rights review.

Speaking on behalf of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), he outlined three urgent priorities: internet and digital rights reforms, stronger transparency measures, and enhanced press freedom.

 “Liberia urgently needs comprehensive internet freedom, data protection, and cybersecurity laws,” Joe told delegates.

He also urged reforms to establish an independent broadcast regulator and transform state radio into a genuine public service broadcaster serving all Liberians rather than the government of the day.

Despite the existence of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act, Joe said the law is often undermined by weak compliance.

“The Freedom of Information Act exists in theory but is often undermined in practice. Too many ministries and agencies simply refuse to release contracts or provide public data. This must change if Liberia is to build a culture of transparency.” He stressed.

Joe also raised concerns about harassment, intimidation, and politically motivated prosecutions targeting journalists.

“Journalists should not be treated as criminals for doing their job. Ending harassment and politically motivated prosecutions is critical to ensuring that Liberia remains a democracy where dissenting voices are respected.” Joe indicated.

He acknowledged that the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom, adopted in 2019, was a milestone in decriminalizing certain speech offenses. However, he noted that reporters and activists still face surveillance, intimidation, and threats.

“Real change will require more than new laws. It demands political will and a sustained commitment to protect citizens’ rights both online and offline,” Joe added. “

On the sidelines of the UPR Pre-sessions, Joe held bilateral meetings with diplomats from Belgium, Japan, and other UN member states to rally support for his recommendations. He also expressed gratitude to the UK-based Small Media Foundation, which sponsored his trip and provided technical assistance.

“I thank the Small Media Foundation for covering all costs of my travel and for its longstanding partnership in advancing media freedom and digital rights in Liberia,” he said.

Liberia’s human rights record will formally come under review by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review Working Groupin the coming months.