The President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor Varmah, has urged stakeholders to embrace arbitration as a vital component of Liberia’s justice delivery system.
Speaking at a recent training workshop organized by the Ministry of Justice, Cllr Varmah described the event as “a singular honor” and commended the Ministry for initiating the timely and relevant engagement on arbitration, which he described as crucial for the justice sector.
“The conversation on the need for a holistic arbitration process in Liberia is not merely an academic exercise; it is a call to reimagine how justice can be delivered in ways that are efficient, affordable, and accessible to all Liberians,” Cllr. Varmah said.
He highlighted that while Liberia’s courts remain the primary avenue for dispute resolution and legal aid initiatives provide support for the vulnerable, arbitration represents a “third layer of access to justice.”
This, he explained, could significantly reduce the burden on the courts and offer an alternative that benefits individuals, businesses, and the broader society.
“A holistic arbitration framework, one that integrates domestic and international best practices, ensures impartiality, and is supported by an enabling legal and institutional environment, will not only ease the burden on our courts but also enhance investor confidence and promote social harmony,” Cllr Varmah emphasized.
The LNBA President reaffirmed the association’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to mainstream arbitration and ADR mechanisms in legal practice, commercial relationships, and community dispute management.
“Let us work together to build a justice system that does not only decide cases but resolves conflicts, restores relationships, and reinforces confidence in the rule of law,” he said.
Cllr Varmah concluded by encouraging all participants to engage fully in the workshop, highlighting its importance for “the advancement of justice, peace, and development in our country.”
The Ministry of Justice’s initiative to hold the arbitration workshop comes amid growing recognition of the need to diversify dispute resolution methods to improve access to justice in Liberia.
