By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Liberian National Bar Association has extended a message of condolences to the United States Government and its people for the passing of their 39 President, Jimmy Carter. The Association extolls him for his contribution and role played in strengthening Liberia’s post-war rule of law program.
The LNBA, in a statement released over the weekend under the signature of its National Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah said the late President Carter will be remembered for his selfless and unflinching support of Liberia’s post-conflict Rule of Law program, which catalyzed enhanced access to Justice for all.
“The LNBA MOURNS THE PASSING OF THE 39 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER IN HIS 100TH YEAR EXTOLS HIM FOR HIS MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO LIBERIA’S POST CONFLICT RULE OF LAW PROGRAM” the LNBA noted.
President 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 noted that President Carter’s dedication to promoting peace and human dignity resonates deeply with the values they hold dear in Liberia.
LNBA added 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, says that the Carter Center’s Rule of Law Project in Überia 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. Over time, the LNBA avers that 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, and 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)
The collaborative efforts in the partnership encompassed various stages, including the identification of cases, engagement with LNBA’s leadership recruitment, regular briefings of lawyers, case review, development of deployment and field engagement plans, actual deployment, and execution of duties.
