-Calls on Gov’t institutions to Translate workshops into action
By Mark Mengonfia,
It appears as though some donors of the Liberian government are getting very tired of just sponsoring government institutions to conduct workshops and are now recommending practical actions.
Speaking at the start of a two day Follow Up Strategic Forum in Gonpa City, Nimba county, the Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission Cllr. Boakai N. Kenneh said recently in a conversation with one of the donors, who are sponsoring the institution made known to him that for too long donor money has been used to only conduct workshops and at the end of the day, there is little or no implementation.
He said that in their conversation, the donor informed him that when they ( donors) are making their reports, they do not include workshops on grounds that it is not an achievement.
“Our meeting should not end up with just having meeting. When we identify all the laws and they do not reach the legislature, we are going no where,” he added.
“Going forward, we have a huge responsibility to make sure that some of those instruments that are not on the books reach the legislature for processing,” he indicated.
According to him, the responsibility of the Law Reform Commission is to review all laws in the Liberian Republic and recommend to the Liberian legislature for actions.
Currently, he said they are reviewing the National Legal Aid Policy of Liberia, anti corruption instrument, the draft bill proposed by NHRAP Subcommittee on FGM, an Act to protect whistle-blowers.
Other instruments they are review foe onward recommendation to the Liberian legislatures include an Act to amend title 30, Public Authorities Law, Liberian Codes Revised to create the Witness protection agency and the Affirmative Action For Equitable. Participation and Representation Act of 2016.
Speaking additionally, Cllr. Kanneh said that as part of the reform processes, they are going to be very keen on instruments that have to do with corruption something he said will help reduce or stop corrupt practices in the Liberian society.
” These are just meeting we are holding and we hope that our partners will help to have these meetings transform into action.
The two days forum in Gonpa city is being held under the theme” Advancing Reconciliation through Legislature Reforms and Civil Engagement and it is been attended by some of the best brains in the Liberian legal setting including lawmakers, UN representatives and government institutions.
Speaking separately were Representatives Ivar K. Jones of Margibi and Dorwon Geikie who both pledged their wellness to ensure that the process of reforms of laws becomes a reality.
According to Rep. Jones, he was happy to form part of the two days gathering adding that he and his colleagues lawmaker are now going to serve as resource persons when those instruments reach the Capitol Building, the seat of the Liberian Legislature.
Rep. Geikie said” As you have come today, we know that those things that are about to be discussed today borders on the betterment of our citizens” the Nimba lawmaker.
The United Nation Office of the High Commission of Human Rights is supporting the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and law Reform Commission and the brains behind the successful gathering in Nimba county.