The European Union called on Liberia to register the National Health Workers' Union of Liberia (NAHWUL) and extend trade union rights to civil servants, in a statement delivered on 9 June 2026 at the International Labour Conference in Geneva. Speaking on behalf of the EU and its member states, the EU delegation expressed deep concern over the government's refusal to register NAHWUL, anti-union practices, and interference in trade union elections, noting that the case of non-compliance with ILO Convention No. 87 is being discussed for the third time in five years.
The statement, issued by the EEAS delegation to the UN in Geneva, comes as the ILO's Committee on Application of Standards reviews Liberia's compliance with the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention. The EU noted that the Committee of Experts had repeatedly raised concerns about NAHWUL's registration and anti-union practices, which the government has not addressed. It also highlighted that civil servants in Liberia are represented by the Civil Service Association, which lacks the rights enjoyed by trade unions in the private sector.
The EU welcomed the ILO direct contacts mission in July 2024 and a technical mission in 2025, as well as the government's commitment to develop a road map and review legislation. However, it urged Liberia to carry out a holistic review of the Decent Work Act and Civil Service Standing Orders without further delay, in consultation with workers' and employers' organizations, to recognize trade union rights for civil servants. The EU also called for full legal recognition of NAHWUL through harmonization of the Decent Work Act and Civil Service Standing Orders, and welcomed indications that the process would include trade union rights for maritime and foreign workers.
The EU recalled that Liberia voluntarily ratified Convention No. 87 and has the responsibility to ensure its full application. It called on the government to investigate allegations of trade union rights violations and provide a full reply to the Committee of Experts. The statement was aligned with candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, as well as Norway and the United Kingdom.
Impact on stakeholders Liberia's government faces pressure to amend its labour laws and register NAHWUL, which could strengthen workers' rights but may encounter resistance from employers and administrative challenges. The National Health Workers' Union of Liberia stands to gain legal recognition and the ability to organize, improving its bargaining power. Civil servants could see expanded trade union rights, potentially leading to better working conditions. The EU's partnership with Liberia, including the Everything but Arms trade scheme, provides leverage but also ties compliance to broader economic relations.
← Atlas › News › Foreign affairs