Monrovia – I thank our partners, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Peacebuilding Office, Search for Common Ground, the Liberia Peace Ambassador, the Independent Commission on Human Rights and Naymote for their continued commitment and efforts, and for bringing us together today.

I am told you have had rich discussions over the past two days, and I hope these will point the way toward solidifying reconciliation across the country. 
 
I congratulate the government and people of Liberia for the country’s hard-won peace.
 
The country suffered so much, for so long, in so many ways.
 
But Liberians also persevered, and showed great determination across more than 15 difficult years of conflict and postwar recovery.
 
We are here today to honor these efforts, acknowledge the fruits of that commitment, and embrace a new future for Liberian people.
 
Liberia has conducted peaceful elections and made possible the first democratic transition in the country’s history.
 
A new Government is in place with ambitious plans for the people of Liberia. I congratulate President Weah for his electoral victory and reiterate the support of the United Nations on this new path towards sustaining peace and sustainable development.
 
The United Nations peacekeeping operation, which has supported you every step of the way, has successfully completed its mandate.
 
It is time for us now to look at the opportunities ahead.
 
Liberia is at a turning point.
 
Peace has been achieved, but it needs to be sustained through wide-ranging confidence-building measures that establish solid foundations for long-lasting peace.
 
This will only be possible if we ensure full and true reconciliation.
 
I commend the partnership between the Government and civil society that has made today’s gathering possible, and for the progress that has been made on reconciliation.
 
Dialogues at the county level, and the reconciliation plans for each county that are being developed, are enabling Liberians to forge a shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive society rooted in mutual understanding and respect for diversity.
 
The United Nations mission has provided continued support aimed at increasing community participation and deepening ownership.
 
UNMIL contributed to reconciliation efforts in eight counties — Grand Gedeh, Margibi, Bong, Sinoe, Lofa, Rivercess, Nimba and Grand Cape Mounth.
 
At the same time, we know that more remains to be done.
 
The Social Cohesion and Reconciliation index for Liberia shows that we need to increase reconciliation efforts in Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess, Sinoe and elsewhere.
 
It is also critical to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and for the legislature to pass key bills that will support local inclusion and reconciliation. 

These would be timely measures that would assure Liberians that there is strong resolve to see a conclusion to this process.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
To ensure reconciliation and secure a peaceful and prosperous future, it will be crucial to deepen efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict in Liberia.
 
Prevention is critical in averting a relapse into violence.
 
This is why we need to strengthen our efforts towards sustainable development. 
 
Peace will remain fragile as long as people feel excluded from the economic and political life of the country, and as long as corruption undermines confidence in institutions.
 
Enabling all people to enjoy a stake in society means establishing a level playing field where all people have economic opportunities and access to basic services.
 
It means inclusive governance, democratic practices and bringing all voices – especially those of women, youth and others who tend to be marginalized — into the discussions and decision-making processes that set the country’s path.
 
It must also mean ending violence against women and girls, which remains high and is an obstacle to the consolidation of peace.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Liberia’s progress has inspired the region, the continent and indeed the entire world. Despite challenges ahead, Liberians have reason to be hopeful for a future that will bring prosperity to all citizens.
 
The country is now well placed to focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the world’s agreed blueprint for peace and prosperity for all on a healthy planet.
 
Liberia’s people have demonstrated their commitment to peace, their resilience to conflict and shocks, their ability to recover and their capacity for renewal.
 
The international community, including the United Nations, will continue to stand with you to achieve reconciliation and sustain peace, advance inclusive, sustainable development, and put the country on the road towards economic growth, stability and prosperity.
 
Thank you.

Monrovia – President George Weah has assured Liberians of his administration’s continued support to press freedom. The Liberian leader spoke on Friday, March 23, 2018 when he served as keynote Radio Station held at the Pan African Plaza in Monrovia.

President Weah recounted the numerous efforts by the UN and the collective will of the sub-region to support freedom of the press, human rights, as well as sustain the consolidated gains that have been made in Liberia on its path to development, progress and democracy after years of turmoil.

He expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable services rendered by speaker at the official commissioning and turnover ceremony of UNMIL Radio to ECOWAS Regional Broadcasting UNMIL Radio and its dedicated staff to the people of Liberia in educating, informing, and entertaining them as far back as 2003, when the nation was torn apart by war. 

The Liberian leader noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains a milestone document in the history of human rights and assured the UN that he will work with the National Legislature to ensure that those laws that criminalize free speech be repealed, as they serve as a form of media censorship and muscling of the press.

President Weah added that the Liberian government supports the Table Mountain Declaration; a key instrument for press freedom and free speech, which was signed by his predecessor, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2012. 

“We believe, no person should be arrested, intimidated or harassed for freely expressing their opinions on any subject”, he said. 

President Weah further expressed gratitude to the United Nations family for establishing a radio station that stretches across all of the 15 political subdivisions and to ECOWAS for taking over UNMIL Radio in an effort to keep the Liberian people informed about the many development projects that the government has embarked upon to put the country back on track. 

Commissioning the turnover of UNMIL Radio to ECOWAS, H.E. Dr. Jean-Claude Brou, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said the commissioning of the radio station was in fulfillment of the decision made by the Authority of Heads of State and Government during ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit in 2000, which took place in Bamako, Mali where the establishment of a Regional Radio and Television Station for the sub-region was authorized.

“What we are witnessing here today, exemplified the dreams of our founding fathers to strengthen the bond of unity and promote peaceful co-existence amongst the Member States of our community. He added that the turnover ceremony was equally matched by the depth of collaboration and bonds maximized by the Liberian government, the United Nations and ECOWAS Commission. 

Also speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Tunde Ajisomo, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia asked Member States to maintain the radio station as it is very cost intensive. 

In attendance were Madame Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nation, Mr. Olof Skoog, Chairman of the Peace Building Commission at the UN, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Members of the Cabinet, international partners, among others. 

Monrovia – Former employees of the UN Missions in Liberia are requesting that the mission pays arrears it owes them (former employees) for more than 10 years or they will stage more protests in the coming days.

Report by Edwin Genoway, edwin.genoway@frontpageafricaonline.com

For more than four days, former workers of the UN Mission staged protests at the mission’s Monrovia headquarters demanding US$39 millions arrears in salaries and benefits.

The former UNMIL workers comprise of employees from Liberia’s 15 counties that have allegedly served the mission since 2003.

Speaking to FrontPageAfrica on Friday February 9, the spokesperson for the aggrieved workers threatened that they will gather next time at Pan African Plaza to protest with their entire families including their wives and children to claim the intention of the international community.

Jerry Wallace said since 2003, UNMIL have denied them their rightful salaries and benefits, which was later discovered when some aggrieved former workers of the mission conducted a research.

Wallace said over 200 employees were dismissed instantly after they advocated for the mission to take the rightful procedure in paying salaries and benefits.

He frowned on UNMIL for the “ill treatment” of former employees of the mission.

“We don’t like the way UNMIL is treating us Liberians especially we the former employees of the UN Mission here, since 2003 we been working as daily hires and we were more than 2,000 workers and UNMIL went against their own rules and regulations governing the United Nations,” Wallace said.

“They kept us on daily hire for more than a year and when Kofi Anna deputy came to Liberia at the time, we put our plight before her and she met the SRSG at the time Mr. Jack Klein, (and) Mr. Klein was instructed to change our status from daily hire to employees.”

Wallace said he and his colleagues’ status were subsequently changed to employees but were still receiving the salary of daily hire.

“After they upgraded our status we were still receiving the US$208, which was given to contractors. After we realized our actual salary as employees, the management of UNMIL throw our employment documents that contain our salaries details into the garbage bin and mine was found there also, that’s how we got to know that we supposed to make above US$208,” he explained.

Wallace said their dismissal from UNMIL happened when authorities of the mission realized that the aggrieved employees had found out the truth about their “real salaries”.

“After we have worked for years as employees getting daily hire money, and the authority noticed that we have found out the truth about our salary, they quickly put us down without giving us what they supposed to gave us and we need our money, we have worked for it,” he said.

The aggrieved former employees of UNMIL said the action is “inimical to the status of the UN,” while calling on UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres to intervene swiftly.

Lyn Robertson, UNMIL Chief of Public Information, said the UN mission could not comment on the former workers’ claims as the matter was before the mission’s legal team.

She told FrontPageAfrica via mobile Sunday that the mission will issue an official statement this week on the matter

Monrovia –The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DRSG), for Rule of law and political, Waldemar Vrey says the percentage of pretrial detainees across the country is a concern despite all of the efforts that have been applied. 

Speaking recently at a one day National Stakeholders Conference on the Plight of Prolonged Pre-trial Detainees in Liberia, Vrey disclosed that the percentage of pretrial detainees nationally is 68%, saying this is very high.

Vrey said although efforts have been applied to reduce it to 64%, but said more needs to be done. 

“You will agree with me that 64% in any language is still not an acceptable figure. We have more to be done because 64% is the number we reached during the Ebola crisis. We need to beat the figure,” he said. 

The deputy UNMIL boss reminded the participants that most often participants are good at decision during gathering, but not good at implementing the decision after the gathering. 

He further informed them that one of the major challenges facing the judicial system is prolonged detention. 

“There is a growing concern across Liberia because detention centers are now overcrowded.”

“Many of those Centers are now housing more than the normal population constructed for,” Vrey added. 

According to him, there have been many collective efforts towards detention centers, saying some have been working, while some have not. 

“Various initiatives have been launched including the establishment of magistrate training program, fast tracking programs, measures to implement existing laws in Liberia.”

“We are working to address this problem, “he indicated. 

For her part, the Assistant Court Administrator of the Judicial Branch of Government, Ernestine Morgan Awor revealed that they are fully aware of the prison centers having 64% pretrial detainees. 

“We should ensure that those in pretrial detentions have adequate representation.”

“We will ensure that all judicial actors will do the necessary thing to the rights of those who come in conflict with the laws are protected.  Judges will work in compliance while detention and juvenile facilities must be enhanced, “she said. 

Monrovia – In spite of “remarkable” progress in Liberia since the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement in 2003, the presence of challenges that risk a reversal of the gains made warrant continued international support and attention, the United Nations envoy for the country has cautioned.

“I would appeal to all concerned to increase and consolidate investment in Liberia and support the country at this crucial time, through its transition to a new government and beyond,” Farid Zarif, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia, told the Security Council today.

Pointing to challenges which could hinder sustaining peace and advancing national reconciliation, Mr. Zarif said that legislative reforms, widely accepted as critical to address the underlying causes of conflict as well as on women’s rights and protection, were yet to be enacted.

“I continue to engage vigorously with the Government, particularly the Legislature, to help advance these transformational reforms,” he added.

Mr. Zarif, also the head of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), noted that as UNMIL prepares for transitioning its residual mandated activities to the Government, the UN Country Team and partners, it remains engaged in all aspects of its assignment with a particular emphasis on good offices and political facilitation, including in view of elections scheduled in October.

“As the elections draw nearer, [we have] further intensified [our] engagement with the National Elections Commission, political party leaders, presidential candidates, the Government and civil society to prevent and diffuse tensions, help resolve disputes, and advocate for inclusive, transparent, credible, and peaceful elections,” he said.

“The country’s future as a stable democracy will hinge on the successful conduct of the elections and the broad acceptance that they were free and fair, followed by a smooth transfer of power from the current government to a new administration.”

The Special Representative also added that Liberia’s law enforcement agencies being adequately prepared to respond to potential low-level civil unrest and mob violence during the upcoming period was critical.

In that context, he elaborated that UNMIL is supporting the Liberia National Police to set up an integrated elections security plan to ensure the most effective utilization of available resources to protect civilians.

Further, noting the gradual strengthening of the country’s human rights capacity, Mr. Zarif urged the Liberian human rights commission to intensify its efforts to address serious human rights challenges, including sexual and gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices and challenges with respect to freedom of speech, which continue to plague the African nation.

He also called on the Government to urgently implement the recommendations of the a 2016 joint Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)-UNMIL report on ensuring accountability for rape.

Liberia at critical juncture, several historic transitions underway

Also, speaking today at the Security Council, Olof Skoog, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations and the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Liberia Configuration welcomed the steps taken by Government and the UN to develop a Peacebuilding Plan but highlighted that the need for continued engagement with and support to the country.

“As we have noted in the past couple of months, Liberia is at critical juncture. Several historic transitions are underway,” said Mr. Skoog.

“While no one I met indicated to me that there exists a clear and imminent risk of relapse into conflict [but] there are real hurdles ahead as [UNMIL] is closing down and as the new government takes the reins.”

As for the role of the Peace-building Commission, he said that it stood ready to continue its political accompaniment, ensuring continued international attention after the Mission leaves, and assisting by drawing attention to gaps.

“We will undertake continued advocacy on the importance of pursuing reforms that are central for sustaining peace in Liberia,” he added.

Monrovia – It’s been 13 years since the guns went silent in Liberia, and Liberians are now enjoying a relatively peaceful country.

Report by Henry Karmo – henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Liberians are upholding the peace, thanks to the help of foreign partners that have contributed to the peace.

UNMIL presence is gradually vanishing in the country although the UN Security Council has extended the mission in the country until March 2018.

As the 2017 Presidential and legislative elections near, there are deep concerns over the slow pace of post-war socio-economic recovery in Liberia. On the same note, there are also growing concerns about the risk of renewed conflict in the country, according to a report.

A survey conducted by the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) in March 2016 shows that Liberians believe that despite the 13 years of uninterrupted peace, the peace is still fragile and volatile as issues that led to war have not been adequately addressed.

The survey also shows that Liberians perceive the current peace as primarily “negative”.

Pilate Johnson, Acting National Director of the JPC, told reporters the survey was conducted utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to document opinions, perceptions and experience from 1,500 respondents and nearly 50 key informants throughout the 15 political subdivision of Liberia.

“Although the horrors of war and extreme violence are in the past, the positive attributes of peace and social harmony, mutually beneficial inter-ethnic coexistence, trust in institutions, and harmony, mutually beneficial inter-ethnic coexistence are still not present,” the report states.

The report stated possible risk factors that could lead to renewed violence which include systemic public sector corruption, disputes over land ownership and high rate of youth unemployment.

The Catholic JPC report states that “Liberians believe that curbing corruption in public services, resolving divisive land disputes, furthering employment of young people, and conducting free and fair general elections in 2017 are necessary steps for advancing positive peace.”

In a list of percentage of potential factors that can instigate violence, the report puts 71.8% of respondents saying that political leaders and unemployed youth are most likely to instigate violence in the country.

The report also named Nimba, Grand Gedeh and Montserrado Counties as ‘flashpoint counties’ that fragile, after 58.2% of respondents said these counties are potential places for sparking renewed violence – due to both historical and current factors.

The report shows that inhabitants of Nimba, Grand Kru, and Grand Cape Mount Counties concurred that the aforementioned counties have the highest risk of potential violence, while respondents in River Gee were the most optimistic.

Generally, respondents also pointed to the politically driven attempt to declare Liberia as Christian state, saying it is a “destabilizing factor, with a potential to instigate violence”.

In its recommendation, the report encouraged the conduct of free and fair general elections in 2017.

It calls the administering of a nation-wide election observation mission that includes carrying out parallel vote tabulation at district and national level.

The report is also recommending the fostering of meaningful and profound reconciliation across Liberia by creating safe space where healing and reconciliation take place; by supporting the use of alternative healing and reconciliation approaches.

“Promote transparency, stewardship, and accountability in Public resource management by supporting initiative that increase transparency and accountability in public resource management; and by establishing and promoting social accountability, including the use of community accountability forum and tools,” the JPC report recommends.

The report also stressed the significance of ensuring the resolution of land disputes through effective legal framework. 

“Promote transparent land management and property dispute resolution by supporting the development of comprehensive land title documentation processes; and by building community and local government capacity for land use negotiations,” the report recommended.

In furthered recommendations the report is also calling for the institutionalization of a culture of peace through education programs in school and the community by developing peace and education activities focused on young people, and promote community dispute resolution mechanism by advocating for the establishment of community based alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and increased trust and cooperation between government and citizens.

New York, USA – The United Nations Security Council has extended, for a final period, the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) until March 30, 2018.  

It also requested the United Nations Secretary-General to complete the withdrawal of all uniformed and civilian UNMIL components, other than those required to complete the Mission’s liquidation by April 30, 2018.

According to a dispatch from New York, the decision, taken on Thursday, December 22, 2016, was reached to adopt UN Security Council resolution 2333 (2016) with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions (France, Russia Federation, United Kingdom), acting under United Nations Chapter VII Charter.

UNMIL’s mandate now includes the protection of civilians, advising the Liberian Government on the reform of justice and security institutions, supporting the Liberian Government in carrying out the promotion, protection and monitoring of human rights, strengthening efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence, and to protect United Nations personnel, installations and equipment.

The UN Security Council also authorized UNMIL to assist the Liberian Government, as requested and within its capabilities, with logistical support, including aviation support, to meet urgent gaps in the country’s capabilities for the 2017 Presidential and legislative electoral process, including voter registration, in particular to facilitate access to remote areas.

On the force structure, the UN Security Council further decided to reduce the Mission’s remaining 1,240 military personnel to a ceiling 434, and its Police to 310 personnel.

However, it requests the UN Secretary-General to ensure that the Police component has the requisite professional skills and experience to develop the leadership, internal management, and professionalization and accountability mechanisms of the Liberia National Police.

On the issues of governance and national reconciliation, the UN Security Council urged the Liberian Government to prioritize national reconciliation and economic recovery, to combat corruption and to promote efficiency and good governance in particular by continuing to strengthen transparency and accountability, including by effectively managing the country’s natural resources for the benefit of all the people of Liberia.

The Council emphasized the importance of pursuing a national reconciliation and social cohesion strategy through concrete measures to promote national healing, justice and reconciliation at all levels and involving all Liberian stakeholders. It further emphasized women’s important role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace building.

The Council also stressed the responsibility of and the need of the Liberian Government to prepare for 2017 elections, including through support for electoral institutions; and further called upon all parties to ensure that the elections are free, fair, peaceful and transparent, including through the full participation of women.

The Council emphasized the need for expanded efforts by Liberian authorities to address the root causes of conflict, reinvigorate national and local reconciliation processes, promote land reform, advance constitutional and institutional reforms, especially of the rule of law and security sectors, combat sexual and gender-based violence, and build the trust between Liberian citizens and state institutions and processes.

The UN Security Council urged the Liberian Government to prioritize resourcing for critical gaps to improve the capacity and capability of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Immigration Service, as well as the justice sector, including courts and prisons, enabling the promotion of human rights and reconciliation, effective oversight, professionalism, transparency and accountability across all security institutions and strengthening democratic institutions and extension of state authority and services throughout the country for the benefit of all Liberians.

On regional and inter-mission cooperation, the Council called on the Governments of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire to continue their cooperation, particularly with respect to the border area, including through increased monitoring, information sharing, and coordinated actions in implementing the shared border strategy and to support the disarmament and repatriation of armed elements on both sides of the border and the voluntary return of refugees in safety and dignity.

The Council recalled the intention to transfer the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) quick reaction force to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), where it would continue to support UNMIL. 

It also recalled its authorization to the Secretary-General to deploy that unit to Liberia in the event of serious deterioration of the security situation.

After the vote, the representative of the United States, acknowledging that Liberia had taken more responsibility for functions and assumed full responsibility for security tasks, said that despite more than 12 years of peace, institutions were still fragile, and impunity and corruption were all too common. 

Recalling that there would be a peaceful transition of power in 2017 through free, fair and inclusive elections, she said the presence of UNMIL was necessary to assist the Government throughout those polls. 

Explaining why his country had abstained from the vote, the representative of the Russian Federation said it was unacceptable to extend the mandate while “blue helmets” only had peacebuilding tasks. 

He did not understand why armed peacekeepers were necessary for carrying out peaceful duties. 

Stressing that the mandate extension would divert contingents and resources the Organization needed in other hot spots, he said the proposal to deploy the rapid reaction force from Mali had been ignored.

France’s representative, in comments echoed by the United Kingdom’s delegate, said he had abstained because, after a long period of peacekeeping, Liberia had now entered a period of peacebuilding. 

The draft, however, maintained a culture of dependence, and extended a military mission despite that there was no threat to international peace and stability posed by the country. 

If required for elections or other needs, the rapid reaction force stationed in Côte d’Ivoire could be deployed. 

The representative of Liberia thanked the Council members, including those who had abstained. 

He had noted all the concerns expressed but recognized that the action would go a long way to consolidate the gains made by signaling the Council’s willingness to support success. 

“A grateful nation looked forward to its continued engagement, to working with UNMIL, and to bringing that Mission to an end in one year,” he said.

Representatives of Angola, China, Uruguay, New Zealand and Spain also made remarks.

Monrovia – The Liberian government is proposing to the United Nations Security Council an extension period of one year for the stay of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in the country.

“Only one more year to continue the phased withdrawal – one more year to enable our recovering and reforming institutions to continue to stand up as UNMIL draws down,” Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lewis Brown, told a Security Council briefing on Liberia Friday.

Ambassador Brown observed that “one more year of presence of UNMIL represents to many Liberians a ‘brand of confidence’ that would assist in mitigating, if not deterring, the real risk of a disruption during the country’s most sensitive political period.”

He added: “Only one more year of working together, in what for Liberia is a successful partnership to properly prepare for a successor mission and a democratically-elected government to continue the useful partnership and build upon the progress.”

The Liberian diplomat stressed that the country understands the many concerns associated with its request for an extension and there are concerns about increasing dependencies by national institutions on the international community.

Brown said there are also concerns that a request for extension may become recurring and concerns that the resources contributed to UNMIL are needed elsewhere, including in more troubled spots.

But Brown explained that the failure of the Liberian State, which necessitated the deployment of UNMIL, also occasioned the greatest collapse in the productive capacity of any nation since World War II – an estimated collapse of more than ninety percent.

“Corroded over time, national institutions were not simply defaced and rendered dysfunctional; they were effectively eviscerated.

Dwindling public confidence was altogether lost, and hope in a democratic future was nonexistent,” he pointed out.

“Indeed resources are finite.

And yes, there are growing needs in other parts of the world including on the African Continent for the resources of UNMIL. We continue to consider this situation seriously, and take the needed steps, within the limits of our means, to be removed from a dependence on UNMIL,” Brown told the Security Council.

The Liberian envoy observed that whatever decision the Council makes, the truth is that today, Liberia is a better country – a more peaceful and secure nation.

“We intend to keep it that way.

Again, we are grateful to the Security Council, the other agencies of the United Nations as well as our many bilateral and multilateral partners for your continued support.

“We do not take your continued support, or its associated costs, for granted, nor should the depths of our gratitude be ever underestimated,” he said.

Monrovia – The Government of Sweden through its Embassy in Monrovia in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Mission in Liberia has signed a US$5.9 million agreement to support and strengthen access to justice in Liberia.

The Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia Lena Nordström said the signing of the agreement seeks to strengthen structures working for lasting peace and reduce factors contributing to violent conflict.

“Sweden is committed to promoting strong country leadership and ownership for the reform of the justice and security sectors…”

Amb. Nordström said at the signing of the three-year Joint UNDP and United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Rule of law and Access to Justice programme titled “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Liberia: Justice and Security for the Liberian People”.

The Swedish Envoy said consolidating peace in Liberia requires sustained long-term efforts to build institutions that are accountable, inclusive, corruption-free and able to provide serVices to all citizens.

She said the process also requires vibrant and strong civil society, including women’s organizations, to support and challenge the government in the delivery of security and access to justice for all women and men.

The programme was designed within the framework of the UNMIL transition and developed in close consultation with the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice and other national justice and rule of law institutions as well as civil society representatives to advance on-going reforms in the sector, building on the gains made under the Justice and Security Programme and other previous programmes.

It also aims at building on the extensive experience of both UNDP and UNMIL in the justice and security sector with support from the Government of Sweden, among other partners, and represents an important milestone in maximizing the combined resources and expertise of the UN to ‘deliver as one’ in enhancing justice and security in Liberia in the context of the UNMIL transition.

Ambassador Lena Nordström signed on behalf of the Government of Sweden while UNDP Deputy Country Director and Acting Country Director Cleophas Torori signed on behalf of UNDP.

In a brief remark, Mr. Torori thanked the Government and people of Sweden for the support and pledged UNDP fullest commitment to its implementation. 

He said the signing of the agreement marks the beginning of the work that seeks to improve the reform processes and support access to justice in Liberia.

Also, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Political and Rule of Law, Waldemar Very expressed appreciation to the Government of Sweden for the assistance and promised to work for its implementation.

The Joint UNDP/UNMIL Rule of law and Access to Justice programme will also work in close coordination and collaboration with other UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as other international and national partners and civil society, to ensure synergy and complementarity in advancing rule of law and access to justice in Liberia.

The programme is anchored on four key outcomes, which include the following: i) strengthening the capacity of justice and security institutions; ii) enhancing CSO contribution to rule of law and community access to justice; iii) Ensuring gender responsiveness of justice, security and legislative actors and improving access to justice and security for women and girls, and iv) capacity building of key actors and stakeholders to monitor progress and results in rule of law.

The programme has recently been endorsed by the Government of Liberia and partners and is now set for full implementation starting January 2017.

ON OCTOBER 24, LIBERIA joined other nations around the world for the annual celebration of the United Nations Day. Followed by fanfare, grandstanding speeches, a concert was held featuring top Liberian artistes in the country and around the world.

THE ORIGIN OF THE UNITED NATIONS came from a tumultuous period in the world. The world then was engulfed in a crisis which left its imprint on every continent. Adolf Hitler, chief architect of the war, had fallen in Nazi Germany. His pal, Benito Mussolini, in Fascist Italy had been captured and killed and Japan had surrendered following the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki which killed over 100,000 people instantly.

FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF an armistice agreement in France in 1945, the world then saw a great need for the establishment of an organization which would serve the interest of world peace and bring an end to hostility in every nook and cranny of the globe. It was then that the United Nations came into being as its predecessor, the League of Nations, had been virtually ineffective.

IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF AN ambitious journey and Liberia formed part of it as the country signed the charter which created the UN, with Cllr. Clarence L. Simpson, former vice President and ambassador to the United States led the Liberian delegation which consisted of former House Speaker Richard Abrom Henries, amongst others.

THE VICTORIOUS GREAT POWERS—the United States, the Soviet Union, China, the United Kingdom, and France—became the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as rival superpowers, setting the stage for the Cold War, which lasted for the next 46 years.

IT’S FIRST TEST CAME WHEN in 1948 when the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN Military Observers to the Middle East. The mission’s role was to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors—an operation which became known as the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).

HOWEVER, OVER THE YEARS, the main intent of the organization has been eroded over the years by the five veto wielding members of the United Nations Security Council who, in reality, are the ones who pay the piper to call the tune.

WHEN RWANDA WAS ENGULFED in a crisis, which led to a genocide that killed over 800,000 Rwandans in 90 days, the organization stood idly and pussyfooted, no thanks to France who vetoed a vote for boots on the ground. It was clear to all and sundry that that French were protecting their Belgian interest. Instead of saving all or preventing the crisis, only French, Belgians and other westerners were salvaged from the genocide.

AS SIERRA LEONE RAGED IN FLAMES and people’s arms were chopped off, the world looked the other way, as Great Britain, former colonial master of the country had not decided on ending the conflict. Hence the UN didn’t intervene. And when it did get ready, there was a drum roll.

EVEN LIBERIA, WHO WENT through its 14 years of civil conflict which saw over 250,000 Liberians killed, could have had that nipped in the bud early on had the United States reigned in on Charles Taylor, who was alleged to be a spy of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), to halt him in his tracks.

THE UN ONLY GOT FIRED UP TO come with the men and in blue helmets when former U.S. President, George W. Bush, told a news conference on the White House south lawn that if peace is to come to Liberia, former President Charles Taylor must leave.

IN SYRIA TODAY, A CAT AND MOUSE game between Russia and the US to remove Syrian President Bashir Al-Assad from power is proving impervious as both side continue to bomb Aleppo, while uselessly trading blame on the other.

EVEN THE BLOODY FACE OF A LITTLE BOY who was brought into an ambulance and Aylan Kurd who was washed ashore on a Turkish beach did not wake up leaders at the UN to put aside their interests for oil and natural gas and work in the interest of humanity.

WHETHER THE FIVE VETO WIELDING members of the UN Security Council like it or not, they form an integral part of the organization and even whether they are removed from their post as permanent representatives to the council, it was/is their actions that change the world.