Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-02-18 20:43:19
The Liberia National Bar Association recently held a one-day dialogue in which they recommended to the Government of Liberia to ensure peace consolidation through a commitment to non-violent dispute resolution. The Secretary General of the LNB, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, emphasized the importance of applying the laws across all sectors and individuals, regardless of their status in society. He believes that democracy entails that everyone is subject to the law, including government officials, and that laws should be transparent, consistent, and applied equally to all citizens.
This recommendation is rooted in the belief that democracy is a system that provides a mechanism for the protection of rights, enforcement of contracts, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Cllr. Varmah also highlighted the need to strengthen the weak and dysfunctional justice system in Liberia. He stressed the importance of providing more support for the Ministry of Justice and other justice actors to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. According to him, strengthening the rule of law is one of the essential elements of democracy.
The dialogue was part of the LNBA and the National Elections Commission Electoral Project, which is supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Europe Union (EU), among others. The LNBA’s engagement with political parties, religious leaders, and the media on non-violent dispute resolution (ADR) and post-election democracy and peace consolidation was aimed at fulfilling the objectives of the UNDP Electoral Support Project (LNBACNP) that was launched on 19 September 2023.
The overall goal of the dialogue was to promote non-violent dispute resolution and post-election peace consolidation in Liberia. The LNBA’s efforts align with the broader objectives of the UNDP Electoral Support Project, which seeks to strengthen democratic governance and promote peaceful and inclusive societies. By engaging with various stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders, and the media, the LNBA is working to foster a culture of non-violent conflict resolution and consolidate peace in the country.
The recommendations put forward by the LNB at the dialogue emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law, promoting transparency, and ensuring equal application of the law to all citizens. By advocating for the strengthening of the justice system and providing support for justice actors, the LNB is working towards creating a more robust and effective legal framework in Liberia. This, in turn, will contribute to the consolidation of peace and the promotion of democracy in the country.
In conclusion, the efforts of the LNBA, in collaboration with the UNDP and other partners, are essential in promoting non-violent dispute resolution and post-election peace consolidation in Liberia. By engaging with various stakeholders and advocating for the strengthening of the justice system, the LNBA is working towards creating a more just and peaceful society. Through their recommendations, they are laying the groundwork for a stronger rule of law and a more inclusive and democratic governance system in Liberia.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
