The Ministry of Justice in Liberia has lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for his strategic appointment of the Chairman and members of the Board of Parole. This action is being hailed as a significant stride towards bolstering Liberia’s criminal justice system and tackling the persistent issue of prison overcrowding. The reconstitution of the Board signifies the completion of a crucial element within the legal framework governing corrections, specifically Chapter 41.3 of the Criminal Procedure Law. This chapter outlines the structure of the Division of Corrections, encompassing the Bureau of Correctional Institutions, the Bureau of Probation, and now, the fully operational Board of Parole. This development underscores the government’s commitment to justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, and humane treatment within the correctional system. The newly appointed members, including Chairman Mr. Stanley J.W. Cooper I, Mrs. Ne-Suah Beyan Livingston, and Prof. Atty. Kpaderson Sumo, are tasked with ushering in a new era of parole implementation in Liberia.
The Board of Parole’s history dates back to a legislative act in 1969-70, which established the Division of Corrections within the Ministry of Justice. However, its operations were severely hampered by Liberia’s civil conflict. The ensuing collapse of correctional infrastructure and the absence of parole mechanisms exacerbated overcrowding in detention facilities across the country. While post-conflict reforms between 2010 and 2012 initiated the process of reviving the Board, full implementation faced significant hurdles until this recent appointment. The Ministry of Justice views the operationalization of the Board as a pivotal moment in Liberia’s ongoing pursuit of a modern, rights-based correctional system. It aligns with President Boakai’s broader vision of a responsive and accountable government that prioritizes the dignity of all citizens.
With the Board now in place, it is expected to address several key areas within the justice system. One of its primary functions will be to assess eligible inmates for conditional release, based on demonstrable rehabilitation progress and an evaluation of the potential risks to public safety. This careful consideration of individual cases is crucial for ensuring that release decisions are made responsibly and contribute to a safer community. The Board’s work will also be instrumental in alleviating overcrowding in correctional facilities. This will be achieved through structured reintegration programs designed to support individuals transitioning back into society. These programs will likely address various needs, such as housing, employment, and mental health support, to facilitate successful reintegration and reduce recidivism.
The Ministry of Justice recognizes the significance of this milestone. Having a functional Board of Parole in place not only strengthens the criminal justice system, but also aligns with international standards for human rights and due process. By affording qualified individuals the opportunity for conditional release and reintegration, Liberia demonstrates its commitment to justice reform and the humane treatment of individuals within its correctional system. This approach reflects a move away from purely punitive measures toward a more restorative approach that emphasizes rehabilitation and the potential for positive change.
The Ministry of Justice, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this reform effort, calls upon all stakeholders to contribute to the Board’s success. This includes judicial actors, who play a vital role in the sentencing and parole process; civil society organizations, which can offer valuable support services to released individuals; and international partners, who can provide technical assistance and financial resources. The Ministry expresses confidence that the revitalized Board of Parole will significantly contribute to a more just and equitable criminal justice system. This marks a significant step towards a more humane and effective approach to corrections, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration.
The appointment of the Board of Parole signifies not only a practical enhancement to the judicial system but also symbolizes Liberia’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all its citizens, even those within the correctional system. By providing a pathway for rehabilitation and reintegration, Liberia underscores its belief in the potential for human transformation and its dedication to building a more just and inclusive society. This effort signifies a critical advancement towards a more effective and equitable justice system, demonstrating the country’s commitment to progress and reform within its correctional processes. The Ministry of Justice’s enthusiastic endorsement of this development underlines the profound impact it is expected to have on the future of Liberia’s justice system.
