Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Deprez lauded the LNBA’s vital role in advancing justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations, and detailed the EU’s ongoing contributions to Liberia’s legal and correctional systems.
Ganta, Nimba County – The European Union (EU) remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting access to justice, the rule of law, and human rights in Liberia and globally, declared Ambassador Nona Deprez at the opening of the Liberia National Bar Association’s (LNBA) National Convention.
By Willie N. Tokpa, [email protected]
Held under the theme “Consolidating Efforts to Strengthen Quality Judicial Services to Increase Access to Justice for All,” the convention convened legal professionals and stakeholders at Peace Empire Hall in Ganta.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Deprez lauded the LNBA’s vital role in advancing justice, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations, and detailed the EU’s ongoing contributions to Liberia’s legal and correctional systems.
EU’s Global Justice Efforts and Cooperation
“The rule of law is the foundation upon which our societies are built,” Deprez emphasized. “It ensures equal treatment, safeguards fundamental freedoms, and creates an environment where justice is a right for all, not a privilege for a few.”
Highlighting the EU’s global approach, she noted the EU’s work with partners to strengthen legal frameworks, promote judicial independence, and support marginalized communities. Regionally, partnerships with the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS bolster justice systems and align legal reforms with international human rights standards.
She said: “EU supports the AU to strengthen the justice system and promote legal reforms to align with international HR standards. The EU supports African countries to help reform their legal systems enhancing judicial independence and access to justice particularly marginalized and vulnerable groups. The EU supports capacity building programs for professionals (judges, lawyers, law enforcement agencies, media…). These programmes focus on enhancing skills related to HR and the effective administration of justice.”
The EU, she added, has invested in capacity-building programs for legal practitioners, promoting best practices, and providing training to ensure that judges, lawyers, and legal staff are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver quality judicial services.
Strengthening Liberia’s Justice Sector
The ambassador underscored the EU’s tailored interventions in Liberia, from supporting civil society organizations like Serving Humanity for Empowerment and Development (SHED) to working with the LNBA. Through initiatives like the SHED project, the EU aims to reduce pre-trial detention rates, improve prison conditions, and provide legal aid in counties such as Nimba, Bong, Margibi, and Grand Cape Mount.
“With this project, the EU seeks to reduce the unacceptably high pre-trial detention rates across the country, including by strengthening the institutional capacities across the justice chain,” she said.
According to her, the prolonged period of pre-trial detention and the resulting overcrowding pose an obstacle to the delivery of justice in Liberia, potentially increase the risk of recidivism among the prison population due to prolonged exposure to the harsh realities of prison life and have an impact on the judicial credibility.
This holistic approach addresses pressing challenges by enhancing legal aid, capacity-building, and infrastructure improvements, she said, adding that the collaboration with LNBA and civil society organizations has been critical in achieving these milestones.
Legislative Reforms and Gender Justice
Ambassador Deprez highlighted legislative initiatives supported by the EU, including the Legal Aid Act, the Liberia Corrections Service Act, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act. These laws aim to modernize Liberia’s legal framework, reduce case backlogs, and provide faster, more inclusive justice services.
On gender justice, the ambassador announced the upcoming Spotlight 2.0 program, which focuses on addressing barriers women face in accessing justice, particularly in cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Advancing Transitional Justice
Commending Liberia’s progress toward establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), Deprez emphasized the importance of a victim-centered transitional justice process. She encouraged the LNBA’s continued advocacy, saying, “Your dedication to advancing transitional justice is essential to ensuring justice, reparation, and non-recurrence.”
The LNBA’s Role in Liberia’s Development
The ambassador also applauded the LNBA’s role in the peaceful conduct of Liberia’s 2023 elections. Under the LESP+ project, LNBA lawyers increased public awareness of electoral laws and supported the National Elections Commission (NEC) in resolving disputes, contributing to a peaceful electoral process.
As Liberia prepares for its 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on human rights, Deprez called for greater judicial engagement in implementing UPR recommendations. “Judges play a pivotal role in transforming human rights commitments into enforceable legal changes,” she stated.
Ambassador Deprez reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Liberia’s justice sector, urging continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable reforms and equitable access to justice.
