IPNEWS: In a major step toward advancing human rights and reforming the nation’s criminal justice system, the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday convened a high-level roundtable discussion and technical session focused on drafting legislation to abolish the death penalty in Liberia.
The session, held in the 6th Floor Conference Room of the Ministry of Justice on UN Drive/Sekou Toure Avenue, Mamba Point, brought together key government institutions, civil society actors, and international partners to deliberate on the legal and policy framework necessary for the landmark reform.
The event was formally opened by Deputy Minister for Administration and Public Safety, Cllr. Cora Hare Konuwa, who warmly welcomed participating partners, facilitators, and technical experts.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister Konuwa reaffirmed the Liberian government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life and strengthening a justice system grounded in fairness, rehabilitation, and respect for human dignity. She noted that the initiative represents a shared vision among national and international stakeholders to align Liberia’s justice framework with global human rights standards.
> “The abolition of the death penalty is not just a legal reform—it is a reaffirmation of our national values and our collective belief in the inherent dignity of every human being,” Cllr. Konuwa stated.
Throughout the technical session, participants engaged in constructive dialogue on key issues, including legislative frameworks, comparative legal models, and transitional justice mechanisms that can guide Liberia’s shift toward a more humane sentencing approach.
Discussions also emphasized the importance of public awareness, judicial capacity-building, and victim support systems as essential components for the effective and sustainable implementation of the proposed reform.
The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an open and consultative process as it moves toward preparing a comprehensive draft bill for submission to the National Legislature.
The session was organized under the auspices of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia and brought together representatives from the Liberia National Bar Association, Law Reform Commission, National Legislature, Liberia National Police, Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Public Defenders’ Office, Independent National Commission on Human Rights, the Judiciary, and the host institution, the Ministry of Justice.
This vital process is being funded by the British Embassy in Liberia, underscoring the strong international support for Liberia’s ongoing human rights and justice sector reforms.
As Liberia continues its journey toward abolishing capital punishment, the Ministry of Justice’s leadership in fostering inclusive dialogue and evidence-based policymaking signals a decisive move toward a more humane and modern justice system.
