IPNEWS: Liberia’s justice system faces significant challenges, including overloaded court dockets, limited access to courts for many citizens, and prolonged pre-trial detention, which contributes to prison overcrowding. These issues disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable groups.
To address these concerns, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Rule of Law Programme, drafted a Legal Aid Bill in 2021.
The bill aims to establish a structured and coordinated framework for legal aid services, strengthening access to justice and reducing systemic inequalities.
While the 2021 draft was under review, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection developed a similar bill focused primarily on gender-related legal aid services.
Both drafts share the same goal—enhancing access to justice—but differ in scope: the MOJ draft takes a holistic approach, while the Gender Ministry’s draft emphasizes gender dimensions.
Liberia is now working to consolidate these drafts into its first-ever Legal Aid Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to:
- Create a national legal framework for legal aid.
- Establish a Legal Aid Fund and an independent Legal Aid Board to coordinate services.
- Ensure structured support from lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs).
- Reduce pre-trial detention and ease court congestion.
To advance this process, the Center for Legal Aid Support Services (CLASS), with support from ActionAid Liberia, UNDP, and the European Union, convened a three-day national consultative workshop.
Participants included the Law Reform Commission (LRC), CSOs, INGOs, and representatives from the MOJ and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
The workshop focused on harmonizing the two drafts into a single consolidated bill for submission to the Legislature.
Key provisions of the consolidated bill include:
- Establishment of a framework: Defines duties, roles, and parameters for legal aid and pro bono work.
- Creation of a Legal Aid Board: An independent body to manage and coordinate services.
- Right to legal aid: Guarantees assistance for those unable to afford lawyers.
- Justice system reform: Addresses prolonged pre-trial detention, high prison populations, and court congestion.
- Support for vulnerable groups: Incorporates a gender-responsive and human rights-based approach.
Status and Support
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has actively advocated for the bill’s passage. At the closing of the workshop, Cllr. Felicia Coleman, Vice Chairperson of the LRC, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and partners for their contributions.
She emphasized the importance of merging the two drafts, noting:
“This engagement was necessary, and we appreciate everyone who sacrificed their time. Your comments will help finalize the consolidated bill for presentation to the Legislature.”
The workshop achieved consensus on key provisions, ensuring clarity and inclusivity in the bill. UNDP remains committed to supporting governance reforms and strengthening national resilience.
