Discusses Strongly about WECC Court
Monrovia, Liberia – Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie, president of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), and Amb. Mark C. Toner, the newly appointed US ambassador to Liberia, have exchanged ideas for the creation of a war and economic crimes court as well as the bolstering of diplomatic ties.
At a recent Roundtable launch for Transitional Justice stakeholders, which was organized by the new US Ambassador at the US Embassy in Monrovia in honor of the NBA and other stakeholders, the two leaders exchanged ideas.
The LNBA greeted and congratulated the recently accredited US Ambassador to Liberia in a statement dated Wednesday, August 21, 2024, which was signed by its National Secretary General.
The Liberia National Basketball Association added that President Joe Biden’s appointment and accreditation of him would be essential to enhancing the long-standing diplomatic ties between Liberia and the US.
Though the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) recommended the establishment of a war and economic crimes court to bring accountability and closure to war-era atrocities after more than 20 years of civil hostility in Liberia, the Bar bemoaned the fact that both the LNBA and US Ambassador Toner had seriously emphasized the importance of Liberia’s rule of law programs and pledged to support the mechanism for its establishment.
” The recent launch meeting hosted by Ambassador Toner in honour of the LNBA and other Transitional Justice actors was intended for acquaintance and to elevate the serious conversation about the role of the Bar and relevant civil society organizations in complementing the political will of President Joseph N. Boakai government in addressing Transitional Justice issue suchs as the establishment of a war and economic crimes court.”
The Bar said that in order to address threats to Liberia’s rule of law, accountability, and governance, Ambassador Toner reiterated the US government’s commitment to working with the LNBA and other pertinent organizations.
The Bar maintained that upholding the rule of law is essential to the American strategy for fostering an inclusive, just, and peaceful society that is consistent with democratic institutions.
The LNBA emphasized to Ambassador Toner the continued importance of legal services access for eradicating poverty, promoting gender parity, and fostering sustainable development in Liberia.
In every democratic country, the Bar sais, everyone’s rights to respect and protection are guaranteed by access to the legal system.
In a related development, the LNBA has applauded the UN Peace Building Commission (PBC) Liberia configuration for holding a conference on August 19, 2024, in New York, USA, with an emphasis on transitional justice and youth, peace, and security.
“The meeting was held in order to discuss Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustainability as a top priority. This included supporting the creation of a war and economic crimes court as well as the National Action Plan on Youths Peace and Security,” according to the configuration chaired by Sweden through its UN ambassador. The summit also aimed to determine specific areas and means by which the international community might assist Liberia in maintaining and advancing peace initiatives, especially those related to transitional justice and peace.”
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
