This is part of a comprehensive plan put in place by the Liberian Government in close collaboration with partners to address emerging challenges as U.N. Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) leaves in June 2016, paving the way for the government to take full responsibility of state security, according to Justice Minister Benedict Sannoh.

Sannoh made the statement when he addressed the UN Security Council meeting on “Consideration of the 29th Progress report on the situation in Liberia” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York Tuesday.

He said the plan was concerned not only about UNMIL transition, but also takes into account the consolidation of gains made over the years with focus on protecting peace and security in a more structured fashion.

According to the Justice Minister, said plan also identifies institutional weaknesses as well as challenges within the Security and Justice Sector, and advances mechanism for reforms in the areas of legal, infrastructure, capacity-building, as well as logistics and equipment for enhanced service delivery.

Sannoh explained that the UN Secretary-General's 29th progress report fairly represents the situation in Liberia as at April 15, 2015, but falls short of a holistic picture of the progress that it has made, and the practical reality on the ground, taking into consideration the political, economic and social dimension of the country and its people.

"All the world over, no Government can predict , let alone prevent all incidents that happen within its borders which may constitute human rights violations or abuse, or which pose a threat to the peace and stability of the country,” he pointed out.

He added that under such circumstances, the role of any responsible government is to focus on creating an enabling environment for peace and stability through an appropriate legal framework and institutional arrangements that will allow the people to carry on their lives with minimum governmental intrusion.

“When incidents do occur in violation of the fundamental rights of its citizens; undermine integrity in governance; or threaten the peace and stability of the state, that such incidents are thoroughly and speedily investigated and those held culpable brought to justice consistent with law due process so as to prevent impunity, and discourage others from engaging in the same line of conduct," he said.

Sannoh stated that the events enumerated concerning the security situation were isolated and not persistent incidents or violations, adding “government took prompt measures to investigate and brought to justice those involved.”

He indicated that these events were effectively contained by the Liberia National Police and the local Peace Committees established under the National Security Strategy.

He emphasized that the plan is consistent with the plan for Security Sector Reform (SSR), as envisioned under the Agenda for Transformation (AfT), and the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Liberia (NSSRL).
LINA JGT/PTK