The United States Ambassador, His Excellency Mark Toner, paid a courtesy visit to the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia on Thursday, April 24, where he and his team were warmly received by the Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, and staff.
During the visit, the Ambassador was given a guided tour of the office facilities, introduced to the staff, and briefed on the mandate, activities completed and ongoing, and the institutional framework being laid for the eventual establishment of both the War Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court for Liberia.
The Ambassador commended Dr. Cllr. Barbu for his steadfastness, innovation, and commitment to the process and acknowledged the immense progress the OWECC-L has made in the short period of its existence.
Ambassador Toner further commended the Executive Director for his commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The Ambassador emphasized the need for full support to the office and pledged to do what he can to add to the call for support.
Also attending the meeting with Dr. Barbu was Mr. Mohamed Youssef, a Technical Assistant and International Law Practitioner from the UN Headquarters in New York, with experience in War Crimes Trial. Mr. Youssef explained the work he is doing at the OWECC-L and commended Dr. Barbu for his insightful approach to addressing the many critical legal and other issues on the courts’ establishment.
Executive Director Barbu described the Ambassador’s visit as a sign of goodwill to Liberia’s peace effort and a renewed pledge of partnership and support from the United States in Liberia’s pursuit of justice; and that it also underscores the shared vision of both nations to promote human rights, reinforce democratic values, and ensure that impunity has no place in the Country’s future.
