Nat’l Bar debates war crimes court for Liberia 

National Bar initiates debate on establishment of war and economic crimes courts for Liberia.

By Lincoln G. Peters 

Monrovia, Liberia, May 3, 2024—The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) is expected to host a national dialogue and debate on mechanisms for establishing war and economic crimes courts in Liberia.

The legal national debate is expected to officially kick off today, Friday, May 3, 2024, at the celebration of Law Day. The occasion will be graced by the Chief Justice of Liberia, Associate Justices, judges of circuit and specialized courts, magistrates, Law students and members of the bar, and international partners. 

The Law Day celebration is held under the theme: “The mechanism to establish the war and economic crimes courts for Liberia.” 

The LNBA also welcomes the U.S. State Department’s Release of the 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practice for Liberia and promises to collaborate with relevant institutions to promote respect for human rights and accountability for justice. 

“We believe that issues raised by the U.S State Department in the 2023 Country’s Report, which includes arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings, torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment by the Liberian government and life-threatening prison conditions are all grave issues that must be tackled to elevate Liberia’s Human Rights Profile” the Bar notes. 

Today’s celebration is scheduled at the Paynesville City Hall in Paynesville City, beginning with Law Day parade from ELWA Junction at 8:00 am. 

The National Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah disclosed that Dr. Jallah A Barbu, Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, will be the keynote speaker. 

Law Day is meant to honor the legal System and presents a day of national dedication to the principles of government under the law. 

The celebration is held annually on the first Friday of May as a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law and provide an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect civil liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to freedom. 

It is also meant to reflect on the role of law in the country’s foundation, recognize its importance for society, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system. 

The annual observance of Law Day has been noted in the legal community for more than sixty years and brings to light the roles of the rule of law in enhancing democratic value. Editing by Jonathan Browne