UNMIL Donates Generously to Enhance Performance of Liberian Judiciary (02/05/18)

CA Cllr. Nelson  with UNMIL DRSG for Rule of Law

The Waldemar Vrey Human Rights Resource Center dedicated at the TOJ

Group photo with the DSRSG & the CA

In an effort to effectively uphold the rule of law in Liberia, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), has made a number of donations to the Judiciary.

The donations included equipment, stationery and furniture to enhance the performances at the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute, Todee Magisterial Court, Public Defenders Central Office, Case Processing Unit, and the Courts.

Making the presentation Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Temple of Justice, UNMIL’s Deputy Special Representative to the Secretary General for Rule of Law, (DSRSG) Waldemar Vrey, pledged the UN’s continuous support to the Judiciary despite its limited time left to drawdown completely.

The DSRSG expressed optimism that Rule of Law in Liberia will be stronger than ever, in the absence of UNMIL.  He also mentioned that UNMIL is proud that the judiciary is focused on things far ahead.

Mr. Very told the gathering that the supplies and equipment were made possible through the help of the UN High Commission on Human Rights, with funding from UNMIL and support from the Judiciary.

According to the UNMIL DSRSG, the Mission has trained few Judiciary personnel who will pass on the training to others who will manage the Data Base Tracking System for Public Defenders. The data base tracking system he said, will guarantee the efficiency of tracking cases in the criminal justice system.

In conclusion, he lauded the Judiciary for the relationship it built with the UN Mission over the years and expressed confidence that the progress made will be irreversible.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Judiciary, the court Administrator Cllr. Elizabeth Nelson expressed overwhelming contentment for the donations and said, Chief Justice Korkpor would have loved to have received the items himself but, he was absent due to some pressing national engagements on strengthening the rule of law in Liberia.

Cllr. Nelson at the same time made an additional appeal to UNMIL for additional support to create offices, a new courtroom for Criminal Court E and a bigger space for the newly furnished Waldemar Vrey   Human Rights Resource Center. “Trust me, this will be our final, final appeal to UNMIL, the Court Administrator added, sparking a scream of laughter from the UNMIL delegation and other guests at the program.

Madam Nelson emphasized that the delivery of the equipment was timely and that they would be used adequately for their intended purpose.