afrol News, 27 November - Liberia's circuit and magistrate's courts in the southeast region have been handed over to the government by the United Nations after it had renovated them.

Situated in Maryland County, the courts have been renovated by the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) through its Quick Impact Projects Initiative. A 14-year civil war had ravaged the country's people and infrastructure. Liberia's high spate of crimes has warranted the need for the availability of courts and rehabilitation centers.

UNMIL has so far constructed and rehabilitated nine court houses in Liberia and it is yet to finish work in five others. Besides, 24 police stations and seven correctional facilities have been built by the mission.

The UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Liberia, Alan Doss, who spoke at the hand over ceremony, stressed the importance of the rule of law, describing it as "the firmest pillar of good government."

"Without the rule of law, social and economic development cannot be accomplished," he said. Doss has appealed to Liberians to support and respect the court and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to avert crime.

The UN Envoy, whose Liberia mandate will soon expire, said UNMIL will stay in Liberia to continue supporting rebuilding its infrastructure, legal system and maintain law and order.

Over the years, the mission has promoted fair and speedy trial in the country by providing training to Liberia's court officers and lawyers.

Sie-Teba Neufville, the Suprintendent of Maryland County expressed satisfaction about the mision's role in transforming the country's infrastructure and human resources. Neufville however called on Doss to remain committed to promoting his country's tourism, agriculture and mining potentials.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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