Monrovia - UNMIL Officer-in-Charge, Waldemar Vrey today said that the success of Liberia in the areas of governance and security would be assessed by the enforcement of relevant legislation. He commended the government for elaborating the needed legal frameworks, but insisted that their implementation was of the essence.

“Your challenge is not restricted to the design and the adoption of laws, but in the full implementation of those laws,” Vrey said at a two-day international conference on Security Sector Reform at the University of Liberia. “This requires sufficient resources and the determination of leaders and the legislators to comply with your own legislation frameworks, even if seemingly difficult to launch.” 

He urged the authorities to commit more resources to education, medical care, roads, jobs and agriculture, adding that failure to invest in these sectors will create more insecurity. Further, Mr. Vrey singled out gender equality as an essential element of security sector development.

“I recall that women were crucial in bringing peace to Liberia and they are now a critical participant of the rebuilding process,” he said. “Recognizing their role in achieving and maintaining peace and addressing national challenges and opportunities should be a priority.”

The conference, which commenced yesterday, provided an opportunity for security sector actors to share knowledge and discuss challenges, opportunities, alternatives and best practices. It was organized by the University of Liberia with the support of UNMIL.