MONROVIA — Ireland has pledged its full support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, renewing its commitment to justice and accountability in the West African nation.
Ambassador Gerard Considine announced the Irish government’s position during the launch of the PeaceGen Project in Monrovia. The three-year initiative, funded by the European Union and Ireland, aims to strengthen youth and women’s participation in peacebuilding and transitional justice processes.
“We believe this project will help bridge the gap between the resolved grievances of the past and the aspirations for justice in the future,” Considine said. “It aligns perfectly with the principles of the youth, peace, and security agenda and complements national efforts, including the establishment of the war and economic crimes court.”
The PeaceGen Project is implemented by the Kvinna Till Kvinna Foundation in partnership with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), the Female Journalist Association of Liberia (FeJAL), the Female Lawyers Association of Liberia, and other civil society organizations.
The project seeks to empower young people and women to take leadership roles in conflict prevention, decision-making, and national reconciliation efforts at both local and national levels.
Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, served as chief launcher of the project. He described the initiative as a timely intervention for confronting impunity and strengthening the rule of law.
“True peace is built on justice, accountability, inclusion, and opportunity,” Barbu declared. “Nations that fail to address the wounds of the past risk reopening them in the future.”
Barbu called on the Government of Liberia, international partners, the private sector, faith-based institutions, and civil society organizations to provide sustained financial, technical, and moral support to the PeaceGen Project and similar initiatives.
“Investing in peace is not charity; it is a national security imperative and a moral obligation,” he said. “Every investment made in educating, mentoring, and empowering young people contributes to preventing violence and safeguarding democracy.”
Barbu officially declared the project launched and pledged OWECC-L’s full support. He urged all Liberians to work collectively to end impunity, corruption, violence, and drug abuse while promoting reconciliation and accountability.
The announcement comes as Liberia continues to grapple with the legacy of its civil wars, which killed an estimated 250,000 people between 1989 and 2003. The government has faced sustained pressure from victims’ groups and international partners to establish a war crimes court to prosecute those responsible for atrocities.
