Published: September 23, 2024
Monrovia – The United States Embassy in Monrovia has announced the arrival of a high-level U.S. government justice delegation to Liberia, set to visit from September 22-24, 2024. The delegation aims to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Liberia in the justice sector, particularly in efforts to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court.
According to a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy on Monday, the delegation consists of representatives from several key U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice (U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The group will engage with members of the Liberian government, law enforcement officials, the legal community, and civil society groups.
The U.S. Embassy emphasized that the delegation brings extensive expertise in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and atrocity crimes, as well as supporting victims. During their visit, they are expected to collaborate with Liberian counterparts, sharing best practices on prosecuting complex cases, with a focus on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches.
Beth Van Schaack, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, praised Liberia’s commitment to establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court. “We are proud to send this delegation to Liberia in support of its local efforts toward justice and accountability,” Van Schaack stated in the release. She added that the U.S. government stands ready to partner with Liberia as the country embarks on this critical challenge.
The visit is expected to strengthen partnerships and foster the exchange of ideas, with the hope that both nations will learn from each other’s experiences in bringing justice to victims of war and economic crimes. The establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court has been a key demand from international and local human rights advocates, as Liberia continues to address its post-conflict justice system.
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