The European Union and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have launched a USD 724,000 project intended to strengthen Transitional Justice in Liberia.
The initiative marks a significant advancement in Liberia’s pursuit of justice, accountability, reconciliation, and sustainable peace, with funding allocated for implementation across 2026 and 2027. It seeks to ensure that victims of past atrocities are no longer marginalized while reinforcing national mechanisms aimed at delivering credible and inclusive justice.
According to an official statement issued by the OHCHR, the programme reflects a coordinated effort between the European Union and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to address longstanding gaps in accountability following Liberia’s years of conflict and governance challenges.
Zoltan Szalai, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Liberia, emphasized the importance of a victim-focused approach in rebuilding national trust.
“This initiative reflects the European Union’s strong and long-standing commitment to the people of Liberia in their pursuit of justice and accountability,” he said.
Continuing, he stated: “A victim-centered approach is essential to rebuilding trust, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that the painful experiences of the past are acknowledged. The European Union will continue to stand with Liberia in advancing a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society where no one is left behind.”
Echoing similar sentiments, OHCHR Representative in Liberia, Christian Mukosa, highlighted the initiative’s role in strengthening ongoing justice efforts.
“OHCHR is committed to ensuring this project bolsters the results obtained this far by national stakeholders, including with the support of OHCHR, to ensure the operationalization of victim-centred judicial mechanisms such as the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC) brings redress to victims of past gross human rights violations and corruption-related offences to contribute to reconciliation and prevent recurrence,” he said.
The project will provide technical assistance to key justice institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. It is expected to enhance the capacity of investigators, prosecutors, and judges to manage complex cases while safeguarding the rights and security of victims and witnesses.
Beyond institutional support, the initiative will extend into communities by engaging civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the media. This broader approach aims to strengthen public oversight and participation in the justice process, while also establishing protections for whistleblowers and human rights defenders.
Particular emphasis will be placed on inclusive participation, ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities play central roles in shaping reconciliation efforts and national development.
The statement, among other things noted that the initiative represents a critical step toward addressing Liberia’s legacy of impunity and fostering a more transparent and accountable governance system, as the country continues its path toward long-term peace and stability.
