WECC Moves on New York -Hosted by Liberia Mission While Attending UN HLP Forum

MONROVIA : As efforts are being ramped up to finalize the setting up of the long-awaited War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and to give it teeth to bite, it is gradually getting traction within international circles – something it needs to be more successful in achieving the daunting task of ending impunity and cementing accountability culture in the country. The leadership of the WECC and the Liberian justice department was thus in New York, United States of America, attending the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. The delegation made a stopover at the Liberia Permanent Mission at the United States at which time they exchanged notes with topnotch diplomats, as The Analyst reports.

It has been reported in Monrovia that a powerful delegation of Liberian officials are in the US diplomatic region of New Nork attending the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) of the United Nations focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

While on the trip, the delegation comprising official of the Ministry of Justice and Executive Director of the War and Economic Crimes Court was hosted by the Liberia Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

According to a dispatch from New York, the Liberian delegation includes Deputy Minister Cllr. Charles D. F. Karmo II, the Executive Director of the War and Economic Crimes Court Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi, and the Legal Expert at the United Nations.

The delegation’s participation, the dispatch said, underscores Liberia’s commitment to enhancing the rule of law, ensuring justice for all, and establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.

During their visit, the delegation engaged in significant discussions with the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), led by Rachel Rossi, Director of the Office for Access to Justice.

Madam Rossi, who has been in her role since May 2022, previously served as Deputy Associate Attorney General.

Elise Keppler, Executive Director, and Kelly Adams, Legal Advisor of the Global Justice Center, joined the meeting, as did Stephen Mathias, the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs at the United Nations.

In his address to the High-Level Political Forum, WECC Executive Director Jonathan T. Massaquoi presented on “The Sustainable Development Goals 16 (SDG 16) in Compliance with the Role of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.”

His speech highlighted Liberia’s strides and challenges in upholding justice and accountability through establishing and operating the War and Economic Crimes Court.

The delegation also attended a prestigious lunch reception in honor of HLPF 2024, hosted by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States Representative to the United Nations. This event provided an invaluable networking opportunity for the Liberian delegation to discuss further cooperation and support for their justice initiatives.

The visit of the Liberia Justice Ministry delegation to the United Nations marks a significant step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its judicial system and uphold the rule of law, aligning with the global objectives set out in SDG 16. ‎

 

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