NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Liberia has begun a two-day process to review and validate a new five-year strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s system for protecting witnesses, victims and others involved in justice and accountability processes.
By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
The European Union Delegation to Liberia is supporting the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) in validating its Multi-Year Strategic Plan for 2027–2031, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The exercise brings together government institutions, civil society organizations, human rights actors and other partners to examine the proposed priorities and interventions that will guide the agency’s work and institutional development over the next five years.
Speaking at the opening of the validation session, Solene Coma, an EU policy officer, reaffirmed the bloc’s support for a victim-centered, inclusive and nationally owned transitional justice process in Liberia.
Coma said an effective witness protection system is essential to strengthening accountability and access to justice, particularly by ensuring that victims, witnesses and human rights defenders can participate in national processes without fear for their safety.
The proposed strategy places emphasis on national ownership, clearly defined institutional responsibilities and stronger coordination among institutions involved in justice and accountability.
It also calls for prioritized and costed activities, as well as practical measures to translate the strategy into concrete program and measurable results.
Stakeholders participating in the validation process are expected to review the proposed priorities, provide recommendations and help shape the final framework for the agency’s operations from 2027 to 2031.
The process comes as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen institutions responsible for justice, accountability and human rights following years of conflict and calls for greater protection for people who participate in accountability processes.
The European Union said it remains committed to working with Liberian institutions and partners to strengthen justice, accountability and human rights, including efforts to ensure meaningful protection for those who contribute to Liberia’s justice and accountability processes.
