PHOTO: Adama Dempster, SG of the National Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia
A prominent Liberian human rights advocate, Adama Dempster has received the 2023 Peace and Justice Award from the African Peace and Conflict Resolution in the United States.
Mr. Dempster, who is Secretary General of the National Human Rights Advocacy Platform, received the prestigious award recently at the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution at the California State University, Sacramento in the US.
He was among several other personalities who received awards from other parts of the world.
In a speech delivered during the award ceremony, the Liberian rights activist said he was “deeply humbled” to the Center “for recognizing the efforts brought towards peace and conflict resolution in Liberia…”
“We have come a long way in Liberia, but there is still much work to be done. We are slowly but gradually moving towards a society that values justice and promotes peaceful coexistence, but we cannot do it alone. It is crucial that we continue to work together to build sustainable peace and justice in the world,” Mr. Dempster said.
Below is full text of his speech:
2023 Peace and Justice Award Speech
Good evening, distinguished guests, esteemed members of the Board of the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, faculty members, fellow honorees, and students.
I am deeply humbled to accept the 2023 Peace and Justice Award from the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution at the California State University, Sacramento. I thank the board for recognizing the efforts brought towards peace and conflict resolution in Liberia, a country that has struggled with political instability, unaddressed past human rights atrocities, diversity, corruption, and social unrest for years.
I thank my close family members, relatives, friends, supporters, and most importantly, God, for bringing me this far and showing me everlasting love and support through my efforts towards peace and conflict resolution in Liberia.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the organizers of this event for creating a platform to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals and organizations committed to promoting peace and justice in Africa. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly to build sustainable peace and justice in Africa.
I am proud to be part of this movement, and I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of all the human rights community in Liberia, justice campaigners, victims and survivor’s community, peacebuilders, and conflict resolvers in Liberia, who have been working relentlessly towards promoting justice and peaceful coexistence in our country.
Africa has been a continent plagued by conflicts, injustices, and civil unrest, which has led to significant suffering for its people. We have witnessed violence, loss of lives and properties, and countless human rights violations. The need for peace and justice in Africa cannot be overemphasized.
As someone who has experienced the devastating effects of conflict firsthand, I can attest to the importance of peace and justice in rebuilding our communities and our nation. It is encouraging to see that there are individuals and organizations who share this vision and are working towards achieving it.
We have come a long way in Liberia, but there is still much work to be done. We are slowly but gradually moving towards a society that values justice and promotes peaceful coexistence, but we cannot do it alone. It is crucial that we continue to work together to build sustainable peace and justice in the world.
This award is a call to action for me and all those committed to this cause. It is a reminder that we have a responsibility to continue the work we have started and to do all that we can create a more peaceful and just society for all.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution for this prestigious award. I accept this award with humility and a deep sense of responsibility to continue working toward building a more peaceful and just Liberia. Like Martin Luther King Jr, I have a dream that justice and peace will reign not just in Liberia, but every single part of Africa. And we all can work together in the diaspora and Africa to make this happen.
God bless you!
Adama Kiatamba Dempster
2023 Peace and Justice Awardee
California State University, Sacramento
USA