By Grace Q. Bryant
The Center for Legal Aid Support Service (CLASS), with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), launched a two-day consultation training for media institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on legislative engagement, focusing on lawmaking processes and procedures.
The training brought together 43 journalists to harness the experiences, expertise, and influence of national actors such as media institutions and CSOs.
It seeks to establish a comprehensive strategy for engaging the Legislature on law reforms, amendments, and the development of new laws to enhance public safety and security in Liberia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, CLASS Chief Executive Officer, George King, emphasized that the training is designed to involve journalists and CSOs in a broader public awareness campaign about the challenges and intricacies of the lawmaking process.
Atty. King encouraged participants to share their encounters, challenges, and success stories in legislative engagement.
He highlighted CLASS’ advocacy for the passage of three pending bills, including the Liberia Correction Act and the Legal Aid Act, introduced by the 54th Legislature but whose status remains unclear.
Atty. King explained that the Legal Aid Bill aims to diversify legal services by providing specialized training for individuals who have not attended law school.
These individuals would perform legal investigations, advocacy, and case follow-ups while helping those unfamiliar with the legal system navigate it effectively.
The Liberia Correction Service Bill proposes to transform the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation into a semi-autonomous agency, similar to the Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia Fire Service, Liberia National Police, and Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
This change would ensure better security and protection for all detainees, whether convicted prisoners or pretrial detainees.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Bill seeks to introduce legitimate, legal alternatives for conflict resolution in Liberia. Atty. King noted that relying solely on litigation often proves expensive, time-consuming, and detrimental to community peace and development.
The Executive Director for Defense at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP),Folley Kawah, encouraged journalists and CSOs to engage legislators directly and consistently through phone calls, text messages, and face-to-face meetings to push for legislative action on proposed bills.
The Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy Action and Development (IDAD), Joseph Cheayan, stressed the importance of understanding legislative issues and preparing thoroughly before engaging with lawmakers.
He also noted that citizens, alongside the Executive and Legislative branches, could initiate ideas for lawmaking and present them for consideration.
This initiative underscores the critical role of collaboration among journalists, CSOs, and lawmakers in fostering a more inclusive and effective lawmaking process in Liberia.
