Monrovia – UNMIL Officer-in-Charge Waldemar Vrey today called on all stakeholders in Liberia to join forces against corruption.

“Corruption can only be kept in check if all stakeholders and the government, the private sector and civil society come together to develop standards and procedures they all support,” said Vrey at a colloquium on a draft law on Whistle-blowers and Witness Protection.

“Your presence demonstrates your support in moving forward this draft bill for the protection of men and women who answer the call of duty in reporting corruption in the public and private sectors in Liberia,” he said at the event, noting that corruption not only undermines public trust in political and economic institutions, but is also a major obstacle to democracy and the rule of law.

Mr. Vrey affirmed that although UNMIL will soon depart the country, the United Nation will remain in Liberia and continue to push for passage and eventual enactment of the bill into law. 

The colloquium aimed to solicit the support of the National Legislature for the passage of the Bill and to raise awareness among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other actors on the importance of the legislation. The bill was first mooted at a workshop in September last year, in which countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were urged to elaborate legal frameworks for the protection of whistleblowers and witnesses in the fight against corruption.

Liberia’s Vice President Joseph N. Boakai delivered the keynote address. Also present at the event was Justice Minister and Attorney General Fredrick Cherue, legislators, senior government officials, and representatives of the international community and civil society organizations.