Liberia is slowly being rebuilt after a long civil war. The country is rich in natural resources but there are many conflicts between large companies and small holders who are losing their land and forced from their homes, often with no or inadequate compensation. Many people are left without means to support themselves. Liberia was also hard hit by the Ebola outbreak a few years ago. Widespread corruption and a low confidence for the state is hampering the fragile democracy.

In Colombia, there is an increasing criticism towards the implementation of the peace agreement. After five decades of civil war, the expectations of a lasting peace were high when the peace agreement was concluded in 2016. Expectations that have now turned into frustration. Armed conflicts, little or no state control in remote territories, land conflicts, drug trafficking, escalating threats and violence towards social leaders and human rights defenders are threatening the democratic development.

How can the work with democracy and human rights be strengthened in countries that have suffered long civil wars and are now characterized by weak democratic institutions and large inequality? How can democracy be ensured when the wounds after the civil wars are deep and the risks of further conflicts are large? A discussion between representatives from civil society in Liberia and Colombia and a representative from Sida.