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The Center for Legal Aid Support Services (CLASS), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia, has conducted a two-day consultation workshop aimed at empowering media institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) to actively engage in legislative processes and advocate for legal reforms.
The workshop, held from January 9–10, 2025, at a local hotel in Monrovia, focuses on legislative engagement, lawmaking procedures, and the advocacy for three pivotal pending bills: the Legal Aid Service (LSC) Act, the Liberia Corrections Service (LCS) Act, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act.
The first day of the event brought together 43 journalists from various media institutions, including the Daily Observer along with legal and legislative experts who shared insights on lawmaking processes at the Liberian Legislature.
In his opening remarks, CLASS Executive Director Atty. George N. King underscored the workshop’s importance in mobilizing expertise, collaboration, and influence to push for legislative reforms that promote safety, security, and justice in Liberia.
“This initiative seeks to harness the experiences and resources of national actors such as the media and CSOs to develop practical strategies for engaging the Liberian Legislature on key reforms,” Atty. King stated. “We have called you here today to be part of a broader campaign to demystify lawmaking processes, whether they are easy or challenging. We want to hear your stories, your challenges, and your successes in navigating these processes.”
Atty. King also highlighted the significance of the three pending bills being promoted by CLASS. He explained that the Legal Aid Service Act aims to diversify legal services in Liberia by providing specialized training for non-lawyers to undertake roles such as legal investigation, rights advocacy, and case management. This bill, he said, would expand access to justice, particularly for those unfamiliar with the legal system.
Speaking on the Liberia Corrections Service Act, Atty. King stated that the proposed legislation seeks to transform the Bureau of Correction and Rehabilitation into a semi-autonomous agency, similar to the Liberia Immigration Service and Liberia Fire Service.
He noted that this would enhance the security and protection of both convicted prisoners and pretrial detainees, ensuring better oversight and management of correctional facilities.
Regarding the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, Atty. King argued that the proposed legislation offers an effective mechanism for conflict resolution beyond the courts. “The courts are expensive and time-consuming,” he noted. “This law presents a better alternative for resolving disputes, fostering peace in communities, and supporting national development.”
“This platform provides an opportunity to not only strengthen our collective understanding of legislative processes but also to advocate for reforms that reflect the interests and aspirations of the Liberian people,” Atty. King concluded.
Participants also benefited from the expertise of facilitators such as Folley Kawah, Executive Director for Defense for Children at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Kawah emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent and direct engagement with lawmakers to keep legislative proposals alive. “Legislators are busy people,” he said. “It is critical to maintain constant communication through meetings, phone calls, and reminders to ensure that proposed bills remain a priority.”
Joseph Cheayan, Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy Action and Development (IDAD), shared his experiences tracking legislative activities during his time at the Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD).
Cheayan highlighted the dominance of the Executive Branch over the national budget, which often tilts the balance of power in the government. He stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to hold lawmakers accountable and promote transparency.
CLASS’s workshop was aimed to deepen understanding of legislative processes and equip participants with tools to advocate effectively for the passage of the three proposed bills. As the event concludes on Friday, attendees are expected to consolidate insights gained and establish a roadmap for engaging lawmakers on these critical legislative instruments.
