Coalition for Justice in Liberia Requires Senate Rejection of Lewis Brown’s Affirmation as UN Ambassador
The Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) has strongly opposed the nomination of Lewis Brown as Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Nations. In a powerful worded assertion, CJL mentioned this appointment blatantly contradicts President Joseph Boakai’s declared dedication to justice and accountability, jeopardizing efforts to uphold the rule of regulation and handle Liberia’s historical past of gross human rights violations and financial crimes.
The advocacy group mentioned the Liberian Senate has beforehand demonstrated management by passing a decision advocating for the institution of a conflict and financial crimes courtroom. This initiative, it famous, represents a essential step towards addressing a long time of crimes towards humanity and financial injustices which have hindered Liberia’s improvement and perpetuated cycles of impunity and disrespect for the rule of regulation
Appointing Mr. Brown to characterize Liberia on the United Nations—a world establishment dedicated to human rights and justice—sends troubling alerts each domestically and internationally. “It risks emboldening perpetrators of war and economic crimes, further delaying justice for the 250,000 victims of Liberia’s civil wars, and tarnishing Liberia’s reputation on the global stage.” – Coalition for Justice in Liberia
The group additional acknowledged that President Boakai took a decisive step towards accountability with Executive Order 131, establishing a vetting committee composed of esteemed Liberians from various sectors to pick out a director for the proposed conflict and financial crimes courtroom; including that this motion was extensively welcomed as a dedication to justice, reconciliation, and the rights of hundreds of victims of Liberia’s civil conflicts.
However, CJL mentioned the nomination of Lewis Brown undermines these efforts. “Mr. Brown’s record raises significant concerns about his integrity and accountability,” it mentioned. “As a pivotal member of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) and a senior official in the government of former President Charles Taylor, he served as National Security Advisor and Minister of Foreign Affairs during one of Liberia’s most turbulent periods. Furthermore, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report explicitly recommended that Mr. Brown face prosecution before a war and economic crimes court.”
CJL mentioned that appointing Mr. Brown to characterize Liberia on the United Nations—a world establishment dedicated to human rights and justice—sends troubling alerts each domestically and internationally. “It risks emboldening perpetrators of war and economic crimes, further delaying justice for the 250,000 victims of Liberia’s civil wars, and tarnishing Liberia’s reputation on the global stage.”
“The Coalition for Justice in Liberia, therefore, urges President Boakai to withdraw this controversial nomination and calls on the Liberian Senate to reject it outright. By doing so, the Senate would reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to international human rights standards, the rule of law, and the fight against impunity,” CJL urged.
The group additional famous that rejecting this appointment is crucial for restoring belief in Liberia’s governance and demonstrating to the world that Liberia is ready to prioritize justice and accountability over political expediency.
CJL appealed to all Liberians and worldwide stakeholders to hitch within the pursuit of justice, peace, and sustainable improvement for Liberia. Together, we should make sure that Liberia builds a future rooted in accountability, reconciliation, and respect for human rights.
