By Staff Writer
Monrovia: The Government of Ireland has reaffirmed its strong support for Liberia’s pursuit of justice, accountability, and lasting peace through the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and an Anti-Corruption Court.
Speaking at the official launch of the PeaceGen Project in Monrovia, Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, said Ireland remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peacebuilding, reconciliation, and justice in Liberia.
Ambassador Considine noted that the PeaceGen Project will help address unresolved grievances from Liberia’s past while advancing the country’s aspirations for justice and accountability.
We believe this project will help bridge the gap between the unresolved grievances of the past and the aspirations for justice in the future. It aligns perfectly with the principles of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and complements national efforts, including the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court,” he stated.
The PeaceGen Project is a three-year initiative funded by the European Union and Ireland and implemented by the Kvinna Till Kvinna Foundation, headed by Kortu Williams, in partnership with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia, the Female Journalists Association of Liberia, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, and other stakeholders.
The project seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation and leadership of youth and women in Liberia’s peacebuilding, conflict prevention, decision-making, and transitional justice processes at both local and national levels.Serving as Chief Launcher of the project, Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), described PeaceGen as a timely intervention aimed at empowering young people to become ambassadors of peace, tolerance, responsible citizenship, and social cohesion.
Addressing an audience comprising government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, youth groups, and development partners, Dr. Barbu stressed that empowering young people is essential to confronting impunity, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering national development.
“True peace is built on justice, accountability, inclusion, and opportunity,” Dr. Barbu declared. “Nations that fail to address the wounds of the past risk reopening them in the future.He further called on the Government of Liberia, international partners, the private sector, faith-based institutions, and civil society organizations to provide sustained financial, technical, and moral support for initiatives such as PeaceGen.Investing in peace is not charity; it is a national security imperative and a moral obligation,” he emphasized, noting that investments in educating, mentoring, and empowering young people are critical to preventing violence and safeguarding democracy.
Officially launching the project, Dr. Barbu pledged OWECC-L’s full support and urged Liberians to work collectively to combat impunity, corruption, violence, and drug abuse while promoting reconciliation, accountability, and sustainable peace throughout the country.
The PeaceGen Project is expected to play a significant role in advancing Liberia’s transitional justice agenda and strengthening inclusive participation in peacebuilding efforts over the next three years.
