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| UNMIL Deputy Envoy Cuts Ribbon To LNP Court Liaison Office |
| Published on September 29, 2010 | Email To Friend Print Version
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UN Deputy Envoy Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu stressed the importance of efficient collaboration and coordination between the various aspects of the criminal justice system, as an essential aspect for effective prosecution and other case disposal mechanism. This, the Deputy Envoy noted, is an important element in enabling the effects of good policing to be felt. Ms. Mensa-Bonsu made this statement during a hand-over of newly-rehabilitated and equipped Court Liaison Office at the LNP Headquarters funded through the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Quick Impact Projects programme.
The UN Deputy Envoy said the Court Liaison Office project represents the kind of inter-institutional cooperation that has been frequently advocated, adding, “it is a bridge a vital link - between the police and the prosecution.” Ms. Mensa-Bonsu pointed out that the Rule of Law sector is “integral and interdependent of a whole;” and that no part of the whole can function at an optimum level without well-designed bridges of cooperation linking each part to the whole.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for the Rule of Law described the common understanding and purpose between police and prosecution as “vital,” thus calling for a move towards teamwork so that the many challenges that have undermined the chances for effective and fair prosecution can be addressed.
The DSRSG urged Liberia National Police investigators to seek out sufficient evidence to establish probable cause and to ensure that case files are complete, orderly and can enable the prosecution to act promptly. “I have no doubt that you are ready, willing and able to take up this challenge.” Ms. Mensa-Bonsu said this project and many others are a clear sign that UNMIL and partners are here to help support to the LNP carry out its tasks in the most professional manner possible.
UNMIL's Quick Impact Projects programme recognized the need for the Court Liaison Office project as it is one of many important initiatives identified by the LNP in their strategic development plan that highlights the significance of the effective administration of justice in the reform and development agenda of any Police institution. On the role of the LNP's Court Liaison Office personnel, the DSRSG urged them to work in partnership with their LNP colleagues and facilitate effective and professional working relationships between the LNP, the prosecution and the courts. She then assured the LNP of the UN family's continued support, noting, “Let me encourage you to continue in your goal of professionalizing your methods of operation, and in strengthening working relationships within the criminal justice sector.”
Liberia National Police Inspector-General Marc Amblard thanked the UN and its leadership for the continued engagement with the LNP as a part of the entire security sector and the rule of law and law enforcement in Liberia. He said that power and authority need to be managed and properly executed so the LNP is not seen to be abusing them. Mr. Amblard expressed optimism that the newly-refurbished office and facilities would facilitate their work. He commended the leadership of the LNP for their continued persistence aimed at ensuring that at the end of the day, “we can take ownership of the entire security sector and law enforcement.”
Attending the hand-over ceremony were UN Police Commissioner, Mr. Gautam Sawang; Deputy LNP Inspector-General for Administration, Mr. Samuel Dakina; Assistant Justice Minister Asatu Bah-Kenneth; Montserrado County Attorney, Counsellor-at-Law Mulbah Darku; and other senior UN and Liberian police officers.
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