Law Reform Commission - Liberia

Law Reform Commission - Liberia The Law Reform Commission (LRC) was established by an Act of the Legislature of Liberia in 2011.
(1)

It was organized to keep the laws of Liberia and ensure the systematic development and reform, including unification and codification of the laws. It was organized to keep the laws of Liberia, ensure the systematic development and reform including unification and codification of the laws.

LRC, Stakeholders Collaborate to Fix Weak Whistleblower Laws The Law Reform Commission (LRC) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, jo...
06/05/2026

LRC, Stakeholders Collaborate to Fix Weak Whistleblower Laws

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, joined several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) among others in efforts to overhaul the Witness Protection and Whistleblower Laws, with actors warning that weak safeguards and poor implementation are undermining the fight against corruption.

At a one-day high-level technical review meeting on Tuesday, legal experts and key institutions began scrutinizing proposed amendments to the Witness Protection Act of 2021 and the Whistleblower Act of 2021. The process is to make both laws more effective, with a sharp focus on introducing incentives and strengthening protection mechanisms.

The session, organized by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Witness Protection Agency (WPA), brought together actors from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Governance Commission, and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, among others.

The review follows a presidential directive calling for the Whistleblower Act to include motivational incentives, including rewards and bounties that will encourage citizens to report crimes, including corruption and smuggling.

Deputy Justice Minister for Codification, Cllr. J. Augustine Toe cautioned that financial incentives without strong protection measures could backfire. He stressed that reforms must criminalize retaliation, punish the suppression of whistleblower information, and penalize the exposure of identities, which could put lives at risk.

He urged stakeholders to close legislative gaps and produce practical proposals to strengthen accountability and ensure safe reporting channels.

On his part, WPA Director Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II described the review as both a legal necessity and a national commitment to justice.

While the 2021 laws were a milestone, he said early implementation exposed serious weaknesses, including unclear definitions of who qualifies for protection, poor confidentiality safeguards, and weak inter-agency coordination.

The meeting is expected to produce concrete legislative proposals for submission to the President and eventual review by the Cabinet and National Legislature. If implemented effectively, officials say the reforms could strengthen legal protection, boost public trust, and encourage more citizens to report corruption.

The Law Reform Commission was represented at the Review by Atty. Joe Trokon Bryant, Legal Research Officer after being designated by LRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah.

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) of Liberia is an independent body tasked with reviewing, modernizing, and codifying Liberian laws to ensure they are fair, accessible, and responsive to citizens.

Law Reform Commission Holds Peer Review Dialogue on Draft National Housing Authority BillAs efforts to revive the legisl...
06/05/2026

Law Reform Commission Holds Peer Review Dialogue on Draft National Housing Authority Bill

As efforts to revive the legislative instrument that brought into being the National Housing Authority (NHA) Act intensifies, several stakeholders on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, converged at the offices of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in Mamba Point, central Monrovia and participated in a Peer Review Dialogue on the Draft National Housing Authority Bill.

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) of Liberia is an independent body tasked with reviewing, modernizing, and codifying Liberian laws to ensure they are fair, accessible, and responsive to citizens.

Overview and Mandate

The LRC was formally established by an Act of the Legislature in 2011, following an earlier Executive Order recognizing the need for a dedicated institution to oversee law reform in Liberia. Its core mandate includes supervising the law reform process, providing legal advice on proposed legislation, reviewing and drafting bills, codifying statutes, and ensuring consistency and modernization across civil, criminal, commercial, and procedural laws. The Commission also engages in public consultations, workshops, and seminars to involve citizens and institutions in shaping legal reforms.

Key Functions and Services

• Legal advice and review of existing laws
• Drafting bills and proposing amendments
• Reviewing international treaties and conventions
• Codifying statutes and Supreme Court opinions
• Ensuring laws are fair, simple, and accessible to the public

Under the watchful gaze of its Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, and as per its mandate, the Law Reform Commission is working with the National Housing Authority to review the NHA Act of 1960 to incorporate contemporary interventions.

Several stakeholders who attended and participated in the Dialogue along with the Law Reform Commission included but not limited to the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Land Authority, Ministry of Public Works, the Environmental Protection Agency, Liberia National Bar Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, amongst many others.

Role of the National Housing Authority

The National Housing Authority (NHA) in Liberia is a government agency established in 1960 to provide low-income housing and improve housing conditions for Liberians.

Overview and Purpose

The NHA was created by an Act of the National Legislature on April 7, 1960, with the primary goal of delivering housing services to the population, particularly focusing on low-income families. The agency plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of the nation, especially in the aftermath of Liberia's civil war, which significantly impacted housing investments and infrastructure.

The NHA has been involved in various projects to improve living conditions in urban areas.

Law Reform Commission Gears Up for Peer Review Dialogue on Draft National Housing Authority BillThe Law Reform Commissio...
30/04/2026

Law Reform Commission Gears Up for Peer Review Dialogue on Draft National Housing Authority Bill

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) of Liberia is an independent body tasked with reviewing, modernizing, and codifying Liberian laws to ensure they are fair, accessible, and responsive to citizens.

Overview and Mandate

The LRC was formally established by an Act of the Legislature in 2011, following an earlier Executive Order recognizing the need for a dedicated institution to oversee law reform in Liberia. Its core mandate includes supervising the law reform process, providing legal advice on proposed legislation, reviewing and drafting bills, codifying statutes, and ensuring consistency and modernization across civil, criminal, commercial, and procedural laws. The Commission also engages in public consultations, workshops, and seminars to involve citizens and institutions in shaping legal reforms.

Leadership

As of January 2025, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah serves as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the LRC, succeeding Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh, who was elevated to the Supreme Court of Liberia as an Associate Justice. Cllr. Varmah, a former president of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) and the West African Bar Association, has introduced a five-point reform agenda to modernize Liberia’s legal framework to be accessible, equitable, and responsive. He has pledged accountability and results, emphasizing service and institutional reform, and has secured preliminary budget increases to support the Commission’s work.

Strategic Initiatives

The LRC has developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) to guide its operations, including the review and validation of draft anti-corruption laws and other legal instruments. The Commission is organized into multiple departments, such as Human Resource, Statutes, Gender & Human Rights, Finance, Codification, Research, Information & Communication, and Procurement & Logistics, staffed by legal and professional experts. Its vision is a Liberia with modern, responsive, and accessible laws, and its mission focuses on systematic development, reform, and codification of the legal system.

Key Functions and Services

• Legal advice and review of existing laws
• Drafting bills and proposing amendments
• Reviewing international treaties and conventions
• Codifying statutes and Supreme Court opinions
• Ensuring laws are fair, simple, and accessible to the public
Values and Governance

The LRC operates under principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, professionalism, inclusivity, and rule of law, positioning itself as a central pillar in Liberia’s legal infrastructure and democratic governance.

The Commission continues to play a critical role in harmonizing Liberia’s legal system, promoting justice, and supporting effective governance through systematic law reform and modernization efforts.

The Peer Review Dialogue on the Draft NHA Bill

In view of the above in keeping with its mandate, the Law Reform Commission under the gaze of its Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr, Bornor M, Varmah, is gearing up and finalizing preparations for a Peer Review Dialogue on Draft National Housing Authority Bill, slated for Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the headquarters of the LRC at the intersection of Sekou Toure and Gibson Avenues in Mamba Point, central Monrovia.

As per its mandate, the Law Reform Commission is working with the National Housing Authority to review the NHA Act of 1960 to incorporate contemporary interventions. The LRC says under the leadership of Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, it is now at the level of reviewing the new draft NHA Bill.

Several stakeholders earmarked to attend and participate in the Dialogue along with the Law Reform Commission include but not limited to the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Land Authority, Ministry of Public Works, Liberia National Bar Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, amongst many others.

Role of the National Housing Authority

The National Housing Authority (NHA) in Liberia is a government agency established in 1960 to provide low-income housing and improve housing conditions for Liberians.

Overview and Purpose

The NHA was created by an Act of the National Legislature on April 7, 1960, with the primary goal of delivering housing services to the population, particularly focusing on low-income families. The agency plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of the nation, especially in the aftermath of Liberia's civil war, which significantly impacted housing investments and infrastructure.

Recently, the NHA has been involved in various projects aimed at improving living conditions in urban areas. For instance, in May 2025, the NHA led a joint mission with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assess infrastructural challenges in slum communities in Monrovia, such as West Point and Slipway. This initiative is part of the Slum Community Upgrading Initiative, which aims to enhance access to basic services and promote inclusive urban development.

Key Focus Areas

• Affordable Housing: The NHA prioritizes the development of affordable housing solutions to meet the needs of low-income citizens.
• Research and Standards: The agency conducts research to formulate policies and standards that improve housing conditions and facilitate public-private partnerships for resource mobilization.
• Community Engagement: The NHA actively engages with community leaders to identify challenges and explore sustainable solutions for housing and infrastructure.

Deduction

The National Housing Authority of Liberia provides safe, dignified, and resilient housing solutions, particularly for the urban poor. Through various initiatives and collaborations, the NHA continues to work towards improving housing conditions and addressing the needs of vulnerable communities across Liberia.

Expectations

The forthcoming Peer Review on the Draft National Housing Authority Bill, slated for Tuesday May 5, 2026, will once again showcase the effectiveness and professionalism of legal luminaries at the Law Reform Commission under the watchful gaze of its Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah. These legal experts are to put to bear their professional expertise during the forthcoming peer review dialogue intended to incorporate contemporary interventions in regard the NHA Bill of 1960.

16/04/2026

Law Reform Commission Stakeholders' Validation of the Draft Family Court Bill held in Collaboration with the Judiciary at the Banquet Hall of the Temple of Justice on Thursday, April 16, 2026 in Monrovia. LRC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr Bornor M. Varmah addresses the Stakeholders with focus on the validation.

Law Reform Commission Champions Family Court Establishment in LiberiaA major validation of the Draft Bill for the establ...
16/04/2026

Law Reform Commission Champions Family Court Establishment in Liberia

A major validation of the Draft Bill for the establishment of the first ever proposed Family Court in Liberia has taken place in Monrovia amongst stakeholders with the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in collaboration with the Judiciary championing the exercise. The LRC is the lead law reform institution in Liberia in keeping with its statutory mandate. The validation was coordinated by the Vice Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Felicia V. Coleman, who is also former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

The gathering brought together key legal institutions, including the Liberia National Bar Association, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Legal Advisor to the President, members of the Senate and House of Representatives Judiciary Committees, as well as civil society organizations, UN Women, UNDP, and other development partners.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Associate Justice Her Honor Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson graced the Validation and offered the support of the judiciary to the process.

This initiative is expected to become one of the most important legal reforms in Liberia. For many years, family-related cases have been handled within a justice system that is not specifically designed to address unique vulnerabilities such as child custody, domestic relations, maintenance, protection, inheritance and overall family welfare.

The validation process marks a critical step in strengthening the judicial system by ensuring that family-related cases are handled with the care and sensitivity they require. “I urge all of you to engage fully, critically, and constructively. Let us carefully examine every position,” iterated Cllr. Bornor Varmah, Chairperson and CEO of the Liberia Law Reform Commission.

He described the validation process as a “defining moment in the evolution of justice in Liberia. For decades, families have navigated a justice system not specifically designed to address their unique vulnerabilities. Today, we say that must change—and it will change.”

The Law Reform Commission Chairperson explained that the proposed court would handle matters such as child custody, domestic relations, maintenance, protection, and broader family welfare issues—areas that are currently addressed within general court structures. He emphasized that the establishment of a Family Court represents more than institutional reform, calling it “a paradigm shift” toward a justice system that is specialized, people-centered, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations. “It means a child’s voice will be better heard. It means survivors of domestic violence will encounter a system designed to protect them, not intimidate them,” he noted,

The Law Reform Commission Chairperson further revealed that the draft bill had already undergone stakeholder consultations on April 9, 2026, where input from various actors helped strengthen the document ahead of the validation session.

Speaking on behalf of the Liberia National Bar Association, Cllr. Moriah Yeakula Korkpor stressed the need for a family court in Liberia cannot be overemphasized, noting “the court should not function solely as a civil law court but should also have limited jurisdiction to handle certain criminal matters related to family issues, such as persistent non-support and neglect. Access to justice is important, and it also ensures the speedy handling of cases before the court.

Other speakers from the Ministry of Justice, Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, Ministry of Gender and Children Protection, the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia, Office for the Establishment of Economic and War Crimes Court for Liberia, National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Ministry of Finance and Development and Office of the Legal Advisor to the President graced the occasion and participated in the validation exercise.

Delivering a special statement during the gathering, the Chief Justice of Liberia, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay described the validation of the draft Family Court bill proposal as a defining moment in the country’s judicial history. “This project is a key part of our reform agenda. We are committed to reviewing, improving, and supporting the validation process as we work to reduce the heavy burden on our courts,” the Chief Justice said.

He further explained that this initiative will improve access to justice, promote faster trials, and ensure fair and timely decisions in family-related cases, including divorce, paternity, and child custody matters. He emphasized the establishment of a Family Court was a commitment made during his confirmation hearings before the Liberian Senate.

“This is a defining moment…the validation of the Family Court document marks a significant step toward ensuring greater access to justice for our mothers, our wives, our children, and families across Liberia.”

He disclosed that a special committee, headed by Juvenile Court Judge Lucia Anderson and comprising representatives from the Ministry of Gender, the LNBA, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), and civil society groups, was constituted to spearhead the drafting process.

According to him, the committee produced a comprehensive draft, which was subsequently forwarded to the Law Reform Commission of Liberia for further refinement in line with its statutory mandate.

The establishment of a family court represents more than just a legal reform. It is a shift toward a justice system that is responsive, specialized, and focused on the needs of the people.

This initiative will help protect the rights of children, support survivors of domestic violence, and provide families in crisis with a system that is fair, compassionate, and efficient. Ultimately, it aims to restore dignity in the handling of family-related legal matters in Liberia.

The proposed legislation is grounded in constitutional provisions, including Articles 34(e) and 65 of the 1986 Constitution, which empower the Legislature to establish subordinate courts and the Judiciary to interpret laws.

The preamble of the draft bill highlights the persistent challenges families face within the current legal system, noting that existing courts—such as Magisterial, Probate, and Circuit Courts—have historically handled family-related matters without specialized structures.

Stakeholders believe the establishment of a Family Court will not only enhance judicial efficiency and reduce case backlogs but also provide a more holistic approach to resolving disputes by integrating legal and psychosocial support mechanisms.

If enacted by the Legislature, the Family Court is expected to significantly improve access to justice, ensure faster resolution of family disputes, and strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable individuals.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Cllr. Massa Jallabah who heads the Gender and Human Rights Section at the Law Reform Commission lauded the stakeholders, the judiciary, lawyers and professional staff of the Commission and the civil society for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the validation became fruitful.

She noted the Commission remains grateful for the collaboration and the support that will lead to the establishment of Liberia's first ever Family Court.

LRC Brainstorms in One-Day Working Session on Draft Strategic Plan (2025-2029)The Law Reform Commission (LRC) is today m...
14/04/2026

LRC Brainstorms in One-Day Working Session on Draft Strategic Plan (2025-2029)

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) is today meeting in a one-day working session on the Draft Strategic Plan for 2025-2026 in line with the Government of Liberia ARREST Agenda. The session is being facilitated by a consultant, Charles Yorke.

In his welcome and opening statement, the Chairperson/CEO of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah lauded the staff for their timely attendance as is essential to the continued effectiveness and relevance of the Commission.

“As we reflect on our mandate, it is clear law reform is not a static exercise. It must evolve in response to emerging legal, social and economic realities. Our Strategic Plan, therefore, is more than a document, it is a roadmap that should guide our priorities, sharpen our focus, and strengthen our impact.”

Concluding, Cllr. Varmah avers that today’s session provides an opportunity to take a critical look at where the LRC is, assess what the LRC has achieved, and identify gaps that require deliberate attention, “I encourage open, constructive, and forward-looking discussions. Every perspective is valuable, and your contributions will help ensure that our strategy is practical, responsive, and aligned with national development agenda.”

“Let us also use this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and integrity in the work that we do. The strength of this Commission lies in the collective expertise and dedication of its members and staff,” Cllr. Varmah concludes.

Giving an overview of session, the LRC Executive Director, Cllr. Ramses T. Kumbuyah disclosed the Strategic Plan (2025-2026) was drafted by the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in 2025 in a participatory manner. According to him, the plan is an outcome of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

Cllr. Kumbuyah pointed out that the LRC’s Strategic Plan was drafted during the administration of Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh (now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia). He noted since then, a lot has changed and there are new realities within the rule of law sector that the Law Reform Commission needs to respond to it. “It is therefore a great idea to update the Strategic Plan drafted during the administration of Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh”.

The LRC’s Strategic Plan was drafted to contribute to the fulfilment of goals and targets of the ARREST agenda for Inclusive Development. The LRC’s plan contributes to Pillar III of the national plan, Rule of Law. Key outputs under the Strategic Plan are in four-fold – Law Reform (Statutes), Codification of Laws, Gender and Human Rights, and Institutional Strengthening.

The Executive Director emphasized that today’s working session is to review and update the LRC’s Strategic Plan (2-25-2026) to incorporate new strategies and focus, especially in Policy Areas and Legal Governance. In so doing, ED Kumbuyah iterates that Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, the current Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the LRC, new vision for the Law Reform Commission covers, but is not limited, to the following areas:

• 1. Thorough Review of Existing Legislation: Cllr. Varmah highlighted the pressing need to address outdated statutes that conflict with the 1986 Constitution and fail to reflect contemporary realities. He committed to spearheading a collaborative review process aimed at harmonizing and modernizing Liberia’s legal codes in accordance with constitutional principles and international standards.

• 2. Enhancing Access to Justice and Promoting Equity: He pledged to implement reforms that guarantee fairness and inclusivity within the justice system, particularly for marginalized groups, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities.

• 3. Codification and Simplification of Legal Texts: To build public trust and encourage compliance, Varmah promised to simplify and codify laws, making them more comprehensible and accessible to the general populace.

• 4. Engagement with Stakeholders and Public Participation: Recognizing that effective law reform requires broad collaboration, he vowed to work closely with the Liberian National Bar Association, the Judiciary, the Legislature, academia, civil society, and international partners. He emphasized the importance of incorporating the perspectives of ordinary Liberians into the reform process.

• 5. Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the LRC: Cllr. Varmah acknowledged the necessity for the Commission to bolster its institutional capabilities to effectively carry out its mandate. He committed to enhancing research functions, promoting transparency, and fostering a professional environment that attracts skilled legal practitioners.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director disclosed that there are specific areas that the Chairman of the LRC wants incorporated in the updated version of the Strategic Plan consistent with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Legislative Agenda, including Family Court Bill, Dedicated Land Court Bill, Environmental Court Bill, The Nuclear Law, Environmental Law, Review and Revise the EPA Act, Review and Revise the Ministry of Transport Act, Review and Revise the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs Act, Draft the National Local Content Law. Review the Human Rights and Gender Laws of Liberia, The Business Registry Bill, the LWSC Act, the LPRC Act and the National Planning Commission Bill.

Others include, The National Road Authority Bill, Universal Health Insurance Bill, Repealing of all People’s Redemption Council (PRC) Decrees, Review the Investment Law of Liberia, Review the Mining Law of Liberia, Amendment of the NHA Act, Review the Liberia Maritime Law, Liberia Budget and Planning Commission Bill, Liberia Road Authority Bill, Review the 1986 New Elections Law of Liberia (decentralizing Administrative form quasi-judicial functions), Ensure the implementation of the Human Rights Action Plan; and Review and amend the Discriminatory Laws.

The ED then urged staff’s participation with focus on new ideas that will make the strategic plan livable and implementable, taking into consideration cost and sources of funding.

Law Reform Commission Holds Consultative Stakeholders’ Dialogue to Establish First Ever Family Court in LiberiaThe Law R...
09/04/2026

Law Reform Commission Holds Consultative Stakeholders’ Dialogue to Establish First Ever Family Court in Liberia

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) of the Republic of Liberia holds a One-Day Consultative Dialogue on the establishment of the first ever Family Court in Liberia.

The Consultative Dialogue which is being held on Today, Thursday April 9, 2026, in the Conference Room of the Law Reform Commission Offices in Mamba Point, brings together key legal luminaries and stakeholders, including the Legal Office of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Claims & Petition, the House Standing Committee on Judiciary and Civil Society.

Giving an overview of the Consultative Dialogue, the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah expressed gratitude for the LRC to collaborate with legal stakeholders and civil society actors in producing a major milestone in Liberia’s justice sector reform agenda - with focus on the advancement of legal and institutional frameworks for the establishment of Liberia’s first ever Family Court.

According to Cllr. Varmah, for decades, family-related disputes, including child custody, divorce, maintenance, domestic violence, and inheritance, have been handled within general jurisdiction courts, while these courts have served the nation, the growing complexity and sensitivity of family matters demand a more specialized responsive and efficient approach.

“The proposed Family Court will provide a dedicated forum designed to: Deliver timely and efficient resolution of family disputes; Promote the best interests and welfare of children; Ensure fair and equitable treatment of all parties; and Enhance confidentiality and sensitivity in handling cases.”

The LRC Chairperson/CEO, Cllr. Varmah disclosed that the Family Court will be structured to reflect international best practices while remaining responsive to Liberia’s legal and cultural context, with key features to include - Specialized Jurisdiction; Child-friendly and Victim=centered Procedures; Integration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); and Collaboration with Social Services. He emphasized when established, the Family Court will work closely with relevant ministries, law enforcement, and civil society organizations to ensure holistic support for families.

Commenting on expectations, Cllr. Varmah iterated that the establishment of the Family Court will yield far-reaching benefits, including improved access to justice; enhanced protection for vulnerable groups; promotion of gender equality and strengthen public confidence.

The Law Reform Commission Chairperson/CEO emphasized that the establishment of the Family Court will require careful planning and sustained commitment, with key focus areas to include capacity building for judges, magistrates, and court personnel. Cllr. Varmah also highlighted public awareness and legal literacy campaigns that will ensure access for rural and underserved communities, as well as strengthening enforcement mechanisms for court orders.

The Law Reform Commission Chairperson/CEO also noted that harmonizing statutory and customary legal systems is cardinal to the establishment of the Family Court in Liberia.

Concluding, Cllr, Varmah indicated that the Consultative Dialogue for the establishment of the first ever Family Court in Liberia, is an indication that the Law Reform Commission is actively engaging stakeholders across government, the judiciary, civil society, and development partners to address these challenges. He disclosed that the LRC has undertaken extensive consultations with members of the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, Civil Society Organizations, Traditional leaders and Community Stakeholders and International Development Partners, after which the Commission finalizing draft legislation and policy recommendations to guide the formal establishment and operationalization of the Family Court in Liberia.

“The establishment of a Family Court represents a bold and necessary step toward a more inclusive equitable, and effective justice system in Liberia. It underscores the Government’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly those most vulnerable. The Law Reform Commission remains committed to driving reforms that strengthen the rule of law and promote justice for all,” Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah assured.

Meanwhile, Cllr. Mariah Yeakula Kokpor proxying for LNBA President, Cllr. Juah Lawson, lauded the LRC for the initiative and other stakeholders who have been in the vanguard over the years to champion and work hard for the establishment of the first ever Family Court in Liberia. “The need for family law court cannot be overemphasized but I would like to caution us to aim for the right thing and over time we can perfect we have started. Our family law system in Liberia needs reform and I am happy that this process is being led by the Law Reform Commission. We look forward to making our imports to work with the LRC and other stakeholders to make this happen.”

On his part, Atty Prince Kolvah, the legal counsel consultant in the Department of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, hailed the LRC for its leadership in driving the process. He expressed joy to be part of the consultation and called for a broader consultation in the process.

As for the Dean of Louis Arthur Grimes of School at the University of Liberia, Cllr. Dr. Neveda Ricks, she assured of the school’s support in the process and called for the setting up of rehabilitation facilities that will be cardinal to women and children who may be affected by family-related disputes during legal adjudication of cases when the Family Court is established.

The Female Lawyers of Association (AFELL) representative at the consultative dialogue, on behalf of AFELL President Philomena Williams hailed the LRC for embracing the work AFELL had championed in the past for the establishment of the Family Court. She assured that AFELL will work along with LRC and all legal stakeholders and civil society on legislation that will lead to the establishment of a Family Court in Liberia.

Commenting on behalf of her boss in the Legal Office of President Joseph Boakai, Lovette Fahnbulleh, reiterated President Boakai’s concern for the resolution of issues that affect families nationwide, noting now that professionals who are well versed in legal matters have gathered to brainstorm for the establishment of a Family Court is worth commanding and assured of Government’s support to the process.

In a related development, the Vice Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Felicia V. Coleman, who is also a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, is spearheading the consultative dialogue as legal luminaries brainstormed on draft legislation that will lead to the establishment of the first ever Family Court in the Republic of Liberia. She had earlier along with a team of topnotch lawyers from the LRC worked on the technical details on the legislation that will eventually lead to the establishment of the first ever Family Court in the Republic of Liberia.

Address

Sekou Toure Avenue, Mamba Point
Monrovia
00231

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Law Reform Commission - Liberia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share