The new Magisterial Court in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, built with funding from UNMIL Quick Impact Projects (QIP), was handed over in early February to the Government of Liberia (GoL) by Tamrat Samuel, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Rule of Law.

Addressing the gathering, Samuel said the development of Rule of Law infrastructure is key to ensuring access to justice for the rural population. He said the Rule of Law Sector remains in great need of improvement and the United Nations family in Liberia is actively engaged in supporting the government of Liberia in its efforts to strengthen the justice and rule of law system. He said five magisterial courts have been built through QIPs in the current budget. He added that plans were underway to train Magistrates and City Solicitors on the new law on criminal justice system which will help reduce backlog of cases in the courts. It is important that government institutions are strengthened in the wake of UNMIL’s drawdown and transition, he noted.  He urged the magisterial authorities to maintain the court house as it embodies rule of law in the community and must be treated with respect and dignity. 

Cllr. Elizabeth B. Nelson, Court Administrator, Temple of Justice, commended UNMIL and the UN family in Liberia for the continued support to Rule of Law and Justice Sector. She said the judiciary is committed to ensuring that justice is done to all and the rule of law prevails in the breadth and length of Liberia. She also informed that in the 2014/2015 budget a circuit court will be constructed in Sanniquelle, Nimba County, and a Magisterial Court in Bomi County. She assured that the new magisterial court will be used for the intended purpose.

During his visit to Robertsport, DSRSG Samuel paid a courtesy call on County Assistant Superintendent for Development and held discussions on various issues. The UN envoy also met with the County Attorney, Defense Counsel, Magistrates, City Solicitors, GBV Task Force, and toured the Robertsport Central Prison, BIN offices and the LNP Depot. He also held a meeting with the Grand Cape Mount Field Office Staff. Key concerns raised included prolonged pretrial detention, slow court processes and proceedings, logistical constraints, and inadequate infrastructure and personnel. Other issues included the porous nature of the Liberia-Sierra Leone border, rape, and harmful traditional practices going on unabated and with impunity despite GOL directives on the conduct of secret societies (Poro and Sande).