The UNSC also lauded continued efforts of Liberia to strengthen security cooperation in the sub-region, especially with the governments of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire.

In a draft UNMIL document, the UNSC recognized Liberia’s continued assistance to Ivorian refugees in eastern Liberia and towards their voluntary repatriation to Côte d’Ivoire.

“The instability in western Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose cross-border security challenges to both countries," it noted.

Despite these recognitions, UNSC has indicated that the Government of Liberia is yet to provide predictable and sustainable funding to shoulder the costs of deploying and sustaining its security personnel across the country.

It also identified the lack of resources to fund the operations and maintain the LNP and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) outside of Monrovia.

The UNSC document spoke of the continuation of significant challenges across all sectors, including problems of violent crime, in particular the high rates of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly those involving children, women, peace, as well as security.

It lauded the renewed efforts by the Government of Liberia to promote and protect human rights, in particular of women and children.

The UNSC says it is overwhelmed by the support by the international community, including the Economic Community of West African States, African Union and Mano River Union, in the consolidation of peace, security and stability in Liberia.

It emphasized the need for the continued contributions of bilateral partners and multilateral organizations, including the Peace-building Commission, to support Liberia’s efforts on Security Sector Reform (SSR), Rule of Law and National Reconciliation, as well as support for Liberia’s post-Ebola recovery plan.
LINA BMK/TSS/PTK