New York – Liberian civil society leaders and government officials convened at a high-level United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) meeting in New York to push for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. The meeting, which focused on Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities, brought renewed international attention to the country’s long-standing demands for justice and accountability for the atrocities committed during its civil wars.
Adama Kiatamba Dempster, National Secretary General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, represented the civil society perspective at the meeting. He highlighted the enduring struggles of victims who have waited over two decades for justice. “Liberians have waited 21 years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Accra, Ghana, hoping that justice would come,” Dempster said. “The time is now for the international community to act decisively in supporting Liberia’s efforts to establish this court and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The PBC meeting included key representatives from the Liberian government, such as Foreign Affairs Minister Madam Sara B. Nyanti, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh, and National Security Adviser Cllr. Kofi Woods, who emphasized the government’s commitment to justice and sustaining peace. The discussions centered on two main topics: the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security.
Dempster pointed to recent positive developments under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, particularly the signing of Executive Order No. 131 in May 2024, which established the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court. “President Boakai’s administration has rekindled hope by showing political will to combat impunity,” Dempster noted. “The signing of the executive order and President Boakai’s request for UN assistance in setting up the court are crucial steps toward ensuring accountability.”
Despite this progress, Dempster stressed that significant challenges remain. “Liberia’s justice system still faces capacity gaps, political resistance, and security challenges, especially from powerful figures who could be implicated,” he explained. “It’s essential that the international community provides the political, technical, and financial support needed to overcome these obstacles and ensure the court’s independence and credibility.”
The meeting also spotlighted Liberia’s National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security, developed by the government in collaboration with youth organizations. The plan aims to address the challenges faced by young people in conflict-affected areas and promote their active participation in peacebuilding efforts. The PBC and its member states recognized the importance of engaging youth in sustaining peace and pledged to support the implementation of the action plan.
Additionally, the PBC commended Liberia for its overall progress in peacebuilding since the completion of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2005. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s long-term development and peace initiatives, emphasizing that justice for past crimes is a critical component of sustainable peace.
In his closing remarks, Dempster stressed the importance of international partnership in this crucial moment for Liberia. “We stand ready to do all that we can for justice to be done,” he said. “But we need the international community, particularly the PBC, to join us in this effort so that victims and survivors can finally access the redress they deserve.”
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