The Center for Legal Aid Support Services (CLASS) on Friday, May 8, 2026, hosted a prestigious one-day honoring program at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia recognizing outstanding Liberians, non-Liberians, and institutions whose contributions have significantly strengthened legal aid and access to justice across the country.
The ceremony, held under the theme, “Promoting Access to Justice in Liberia,” brought together judges, lawyers, human rights advocates, civil society leaders, and development partners committed to justice reform. Delivering the overview of the program, CLASS Executive Director, Atty. George N. King, outlined the purpose and significance of the honoring ceremony.
Atty. King emphasized that the initiative seeks to recognize and celebrate individuals and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing legal aid, human rights, and access to justice in Liberia while promoting a stronger culture of pro bono service, collaboration, integrity, and support for vulnerable and underserved populations.
He added that the honorees were selected based on their consistency, integrity, and tangible impact on justice delivery, noting that Liberia’s legal aid system requires the collective efforts of the judiciary, bar association, and civil society to thrive.
Atty. King emphasized that the honorees were selected based on demonstrated integrity, consistency in justice delivery, commitment to fairness, and outstanding service to the poor and marginalized. He stressed that strengthening legal aid is a national responsibility requiring collaboration between the judiciary, bar association, civil society, and the communities they serve.
Among the distinguished honorees, was Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, Resident Judge of Criminal Court “A who was recognized for his exceptional commitment to justice, adherence to the rule of law, and strong support for legal aid initiatives over the years. CLASS noted that Judge Willie has remained a pillar in Liberia’s justice system, ensuring that indigent defendants receive fair hearings and timely adjudication regardless of status.
In his acceptance remarks, Judge Willie expressed profound gratitude to CLASS for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to impartiality and fairness in the administration of justice. He stressed that access to justice must remain a national priority, noting that many Liberians especially vulnerable and low-income individuals still lack the means to secure legal representation.
“This honor is not just for me, but for every judge, lawyer, and advocate who continues to ensure that the rule of law works for all Liberians,” Judge Willie said.
“Access to justice should never be a privilege reserved for the few. It must be available to the poor, the voiceless, and those who cannot afford legal services. I am committed to doing my part to make that possible,” he maintained.
Judge Willie also encouraged ongoing collaboration between the judiciary and legal aid institutions, stating that a fair and credible justice system depends on strong partnerships and sustained support for pro bono legal services.
Representing the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Cllr. Bendu Kpoto applauded CLASS for recognizing the critical role female lawyers play in expanding access to justice for women, children, and survivors of abuse.
Cllr. Kpoto described the honor as a motivation for AFELL to continue championing the rights of women and marginalized communities. “This recognition is deeply appreciated because it reflects the struggles and sacrifices female lawyers make daily to protect victims of violence and discrimination,” she said.
“AFELL remains committed to providing free legal services to indigent women and girls across Liberia. We believe that justice becomes meaningful only when it is accessible to all, regardless of gender or economic status.”
She called for stronger partnerships among civil society, the judiciary, and security agencies to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), noting that victims often depend heavily on legal aid support. Speaking on behalf of the Prison Fellowship of Liberia, Executive Director Francis Kollie stressed that access to justice must include individuals behind bars, many of whom are pretrial detainees without representation.
Kollie said the award is a reminder of the importance of compassion, rehabilitation, and fair treatment of incarcerated persons. “We accept this honor with humility, knowing that our justice system is only as strong as how it treats those who are forgotten,” he stated.
“Many inmates remain in prison for years simply because they cannot afford legal representation. Our work is to ensure that no one is abandoned by the justice system.”
He urged the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Bar Association, and legal aid groups to intensify efforts to reduce pretrial detention and improve prison conditions. Receiving the honor on behalf of the Bar, the President of LNBA Cllr. F. Juah Lawson thanked CLASS for the recognition and reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to ensuring justice for all.
“The Liberia National Bar Association is deeply honored by this recognition,” the Bar’s President stated. “This acknowledgment affirms our decades-long commitment to protecting human rights, promoting due process, and providing pro bono services to those who cannot afford legal representation.”
The LNBA president stressed that the Bar remains a key partner in Liberia’s justice sector and will continue to advocate for fairness, transparency, and judicial independence.
She further praised CLASS for strengthening Legal Aid, especially for vulnerable groups, adding that collaboration between Legal Aid organizations and the Bar is crucial for timely and effective representation of indigent defendants.
“Access to justice is a pillar of democracy,” the LNBA she added. “We will continue to support every initiative that empowers citizens, strengthens the rule of law, and builds public confidence in our justice system.” The LNBA was honored for its longstanding leadership in strengthening the rule of law, defending constitutional rights, and promoting affordable and accessible legal services for the public.
Representing both the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Atty. Dickson Tamba thanked CLASS for recognizing the critical yet often overlooked contributions of justice-sector security institutions.
Atty. Tamba noted that access to justice is not the exclusive duty of judges or lawyers but a collective national responsibility that includes law-enforcement and immigration officers who interact daily with citizens and foreign nationals.
“This honor is a reminder that justice begins at the point of contact at our borders, in our communities, and in every interaction where the rights and dignity of people must be protected,” Atty. Tamba remarked. “At the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Immigration Service, we remain committed to upholding human rights, ensuring due process, and enforcing the law with professionalism and humanity.”
He emphasized that immigration officers play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of migrants, refugees, and vulnerable foreign nationals within Liberia’s borders and called for continued investment in training and capacity building to enhance officers’ understanding of legal procedures and human rights standards.
Atty. Tamba concluded by pledging the continued collaboration of MOJ and LIS with Legal Aid groups, human rights organizations, and judicial actors to ensure that the justice system remains transparent, accessible, and protective of all persons, citizens and non-citizens alike. CLASS concluded the ceremony by urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts to expand legal aid services across Liberia.
The organization emphasized that a just society can only be achieved when the justice system is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of every citizen, regardless of economic or social background. The event climaxed with reflections from awardees, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment to promoting justice, transparency, and human rights in Liberia.
