Monrovia - UNMIL Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) for Peace Consolidation, Yacoub El Hillo today called on Liberia’s legislature to expedite the passage of the land rights bill, insisting that this would reinforce peace in the country.

“That is a cardinal and a cornerstone in the consolidation of peace in Liberia. It is very important that this landmark law is considered and hopefully passed by this parliament that is still in session,” said the DRSRG at a national forum on land concessions and conflict mitigation and prevention. 

A draft Land Rights bill, developed in 2014, is under review in the national legislature, and Mr. El Hillo said a reform of the land tenure system augurs well for the country’s stability and prosperity.

“This is going to correct a lot of systematic issues that have contributed to tension and to conflict with the communities, the government, the concessions and everybody,” said DSRSG El Hillo.

“Land issues and concessions, when we get it right, will create equity, access to prosperity and economic development,” he added.

Among other issues, the two-day national conference is discussing the timeline and operational modalities for the multi-stakeholder platform over the next one year. Participants are drawn from line ministries, agencies and commissions, the legislature, international agencies, the United Nations and the civil society. They are reflecting on concession grievances, lessons learned and opportunities for improvement. They are also reviewing the framework for concession conflict management.