Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-18 22:15:07
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has raised concerns about the working conditions of public defenders in remote counties. These lawyers are reported to travel long distances on motorbikes to access court facilities, which is seen as a humiliating and challenging aspect of their job. LNBA President Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie highlighted the difficulties faced by public defenders and called for the provision of incentives to improve their work.
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh’s initiative to recruit additional lawyers to serve as public defenders in all 15 counties was praised by the Bar. However, Cllr. Rennie emphasized the urgent need to address the deplorable conditions under which these lawyers operate. He stressed the importance of providing vehicles and other resources to enhance the efficiency of public defenders in carrying out their duties.
The lack of adequate transportation means that many public defense lawyers have to rely on motorbikes to travel between different counties, often covering long distances. This not only affects their work but also reflects poorly on the justice system as a whole. The Bar president expressed concern over the fact that some public defenders have not received any form of support since 2014 when they were provided with pick-up vehicles by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The Bar Association is calling on the Judiciary to prioritize the welfare of public defenders and provide the necessary resources to support their work. Cllr. Rennie stressed the importance of financial stability within the Judiciary to ensure the effective functioning of the justice system. He highlighted the impact of budget cuts on the morale and respectability of judges and magistrates, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding to uphold judicial independence.
Cllr. Rennie emphasized that judicial independence should not be merely a theoretical concept but must be actively supported through practical measures. He acknowledged the importance of the tripartite relationship between the three branches of government and urged for financial support to the Judiciary as mandated by law. The Bar Association believes that access to justice must be upheld as a fundamental right and should not be compromised due to financial constraints.
In conclusion, the Liberian National Bar Association is advocating for improved working conditions and incentives for public defenders to enhance the delivery of justice in remote counties. By addressing the challenges faced by these lawyers, the Bar aims to strengthen the judicial system and uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all citizens.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
