By Grace Q. Bryant
The Carter Center Liberia, Country Representative, James Dorbor Jallah, says Liberia’s judicial system is suffering and bleeding for the lacked of accountability, transparency and inclusiveness amidst limited resources.
Making remarks at the celebration of “Law Day” organized by the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) over the weekend, Jallah recommended that an inclusive, transparent and accountable legal system be upheld in Liberia.
“However, as we celebrate our achievements within the legal sector, we also acknowledge the challenges that persist. In order to ensure that our progress is sustainable, we must continue to work towards more inclusive, transparent and accountable legal system. Corruption, limited resources couple with the civil war has shown significant obstacles to our quest for a just society” Jallah expressed.
He revealed that lack of accountability and limited resources as major factors that are responsible for the failure and corruption in the Liberian Judicial System.
Carter Center boss urged lawyers and Justices of the Supreme Court to reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and its principals enshrined in the Constitution.
“To all the legal professionals and citizens who continue to work tirelessly to hold and advance the rule of law in the country, I say thank you. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for all Liberians where the rule of law is the cornerstone for our democracy. To the LNBA, I want to say thank you also for putting this program together for us to be here to reflect on our achievement and as well as challenges that we still have ahead of us,” he expressed.
He said that Liberia has come a long way since the silence of the gun, adding that Liberia has made great strides in reforming the legal institution and reframing laws in ensure that justice is accessible to all citizens.
He further appealed to the Government of Liberia through the Judiciary branch of government and the Liberian National Bar Association to continue to work with organizations including the Carter Center to make Liberia an example of justice and equality.
However, the president of the Association of Female Lawyers said AFELL has embarked on a campaign to create awareness in communities, schools, mosques and churches, to prevent violence before, during, and after the pending national elections.
Atty Philomena Williams noted AFELL’s commitment to promoting constitutional democracy during the national election pointing out, “The administration of AFELL wishes to thank our members who have volunteered their services and time to ensure this campaign achieve its intended purpose.”
According to her, “AFELL is compelled to remind the government that over the years and to date, and based on record, we continue to provide voluntary legal assistance in favor of the Government of Liberia through joining the State/Ministry of Justice in prosecuting rape cases, sexual and gender-based violence cases, and other cases without a penny from the government.”
“As we hail the appreciable actions of the President, we will not waver to speak out on issues of interest to the women and children in Liberia,” she noted.
