In its continued efforts to ensure access to justice for rural dwellers and enhance the rule of law, UNMIL has handed over a newly constructed magisterial court to the local authorities of Salayea District in Lofa County.

UNMIL Acting Head of Field Office, Istvan Lipniczki, in his handover remarks, said the court which was funded by UNMIL Quick Impact Projects at a cost of US$ 25,000, was a “milestone achievement that will help the judiciary realize its vital role in upholding the rule of law.” He cautioned the local magistrates to dispense justice without fear or favour, and to protect the integrity of the legal process.
 
In his acceptance remarks, the Clerk of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Voinjama, Francis Akoi, thanked UNMIL and appealed for more support. “The various courts being constructed by UNMIL in Lofa have helped the Judiciary but those facilities lack furniture, therefore we need help in this direction,” he said.

The Commissioner of Salayea District, Barkolleh Galakpanyan, said “Voinjama city is not Lofa County, so by erecting this magisterial court in Salayea District UNMIL is demonstrating very clearly the importance of the dispensation of justice for all.”

County Attorney Luther Sumo, along with head of the trial judges of Lofa County, Judge Richard Rufus, and the Stipendiary Magistrate, Henry Garmei, lauded the UN family for the numerous efforts rendered to assist the people of Lofa.

They talked about the construction of magisterial courts in Foya and Kolahun districts and said these buildings have enhanced the rule of law immensely, and given citizens a chance to seek redress through the court system.