The Liberian National Bar Association has extended messages of condolences to the United States Government and its people for the passing of their 39th President, Jimmy Carter, while extolling his contribution and role played in strengthening Liberia’s post-war rule of law program.
Accordingly, the LNBA in a statement released over the weekend through its National Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, said Carter will be remembered for his selfless and unflinching support to Liberia’s post conflict Rule of Law program which served as a catalyst to enhance access to justice for all.
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, was renowned for his unwavering commitment to human rights, democracy, and humanitarian efforts worldwide. His post-presidential endeavors, particularly through the Carter Center, have left an indelible mark on global health and peace initiatives especially in Liberia.
Reflecting on President Carter’s legacy, the LNBA said his dedication to promoting peace and human dignity resonates deeply with the values they hold dear in Liberia, and his efforts in advancing democracy and human rights have been a beacon of hope for many nations, including Liberia.
The LNBA says the Carter Center’s Rule of Law Program (formerly known as Global Access to information), successfully worked in partnership with the UNBA, GOL. Civil Society, International and regional bodies to improve governance and transform lives through a meaningful right to Access to Information and Justice.
The LNBA in a release said the Carter Center’s Rule of Law Project successfully partnered with the Ministry of Justice and the LNBA to identify rural justice needs, develop and implement civil education messages and immediate short term gaps to strengthen the formal Justice System. Overtime, the LNBA said, the project expanded partnering with different actors to deliver sustained impact.
On a specific note, the Carter Center and the LNBA in June of 2022 executed an MoU to provide Pro-Bono Legal Assistance to citizens in need across Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Gedeh Counties.
The initiative was carried out through the voluntary efforts of the LNBA in its quest to always improve access to justice. However, the ten-month agreement obligated LNBA members to provide legal representation in cases received by The Carter Center (TCC) and its CSO partners.
These cases typically involved individuals or families affected by prolonged pretrial detention, a need for due process, habeas corpus support, including the accomplishment of survivors of sexual and gender-based valence (SGBV).
Under the terms of the agreement, The Carter Centers (ICC) assumed responsibility for covering all associated costs, including lodging, transportation. per diem, filing fees and photocopying. The overall support for this endeavor came from the US State Department Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
