From September 22-24, 2024, a high-level interagency delegation from the United States will visit Liberia to bolster cooperation in the justice sector and assist in the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. The delegation comprises representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
During their visit, the delegation will engage with officials from the Liberian government, as well as local law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and civil society organizations. The aim is to foster partnerships, exchange innovative ideas, and share valuable experiences regarding the prosecution of complex cases, emphasizing trauma-informed and victim-centric approaches.
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, expressed strong support for Liberia’s commitment to justice, stating, “We commend Liberia’s commitment to build a War and Economic Crimes Court, and we are proud to send this delegation to Liberia to support local efforts towards justice and accountability. We stand ready to be a partner as Liberia takes on this challenge, and we hope this visit will be the start of a productive relationship, where both U.S. and Liberian officials can learn from each other.”
This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between the U.S. and Liberia in addressing past atrocities and ensuring accountability for war crimes, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of justice and reconciliation in the country.
