A Liberian non-governmental organization, SHED (Serving Humanity for Empowerment and Development), facilitated a crucial dialogue on the country’s criminal justice system in Kakata, Margibi County. The event aimed to enhance understanding of the law and its practical application, bringing together diverse stakeholders including law enforcement (Liberia National Police), market representatives (Liberia Marketing Association), government officials (Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kakata City Corporation), community leaders, people with disabilities, and religious figures. This collaborative approach fostered a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives on navigating the legal landscape in Liberia. SHED representatives, Cecelia J. Gbee (County Coordinator) and Alysious Flomo (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer), played key roles in organizing and managing the dialogue.
The dialogue highlighted the critical need for legal literacy within communities. Ms. Gbee emphasized the importance of the forum in empowering individuals to engage with the law correctly. She shared a compelling anecdote of a participant who, due to a lack of legal awareness, resorted to extrajudicial measures, physically assaulting someone accused of theft. This case underscored the dangers of ignorance of the law and the importance of due process. Ms. Gbee stressed the universal obligation to uphold the law, regardless of personal relationships with those involved in legal disputes. Seeking legal recourse, rather than resorting to personal retribution, was emphasized as the proper course of action.
Mr. Flomo explained that this dialogue was part of SHED’s ongoing efforts to bring key stakeholders in the justice system together, fostering communication and collaboration between community leaders, law enforcement, and the broader community. He emphasized the open and inclusive nature of the discussion, which encouraged participants to freely express their views and concerns. This open forum was deemed crucial for ensuring a shared understanding of the legal framework across various sectors of society. By facilitating this exchange, SHED aimed to build a more informed and just society.
The dialogue provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and observations regarding the criminal justice system. The diverse representation ensured a multifaceted perspective, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the Liberian legal landscape. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, the forum fostered a more holistic understanding of the practical implications of the law and its impact on various segments of society. The shared experiences contributed to a richer understanding of the challenges faced in accessing and implementing justice in Liberia.
The case study presented by Ms. Gbee served as a powerful illustration of the consequences of legal illiteracy. The individual’s actions, while perhaps understandable given their limited knowledge, highlighted the potential for injustice when individuals take matters into their own hands. This real-life example resonated with participants, emphasizing the urgent need for greater legal awareness within communities. By sharing this story, SHED was able to personalize the issue and underscore the importance of their work in promoting legal education and access to justice.
The dialogue represented a proactive step towards strengthening the criminal justice system in Liberia. By facilitating open communication and collaboration between key stakeholders, SHED aims to empower communities to engage with the law effectively. The focus on understanding both the theoretical framework and the practical application of the law is critical for building a more just and equitable society. This initiative contributes to broader efforts aimed at promoting legal literacy, access to justice, and respect for due process in Liberia. Through such dialogues, SHED hopes to foster a culture of legality and empower individuals to navigate the legal system with confidence and understanding. The long-term goal is to build a society where justice is accessible to all and applied fairly and consistently.
