Keynote Address -H.E. Christine N. Umutoni, United Nations Resident Coordinator , Liberia Liberia National Bar Association 1st Quarterly Assembly

• Her Honor, the Chief Justice, and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia
• The President, and Members of the Liberia National Bar Association
• Government officials present 
• Members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international agencies
• Representatives of UN Agencies
• The press
• Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning

I wish to thank the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) for inviting me to this occasion and for according to me the distinguished honor to deliver the keynote address. As the UN Resident Coordinator, I am happy be here as we celebrate year the 75 anniversaries of the universal declaration of human rights- UDHR.  And as a lawyer it is a pleasure to be among my learned friends.  I joined law school as a refugee in foreign land and it shaped my drive to fight for justice. 

Let me thank and congratulate the LNBA for the continued and steadfast role you have played over the years in promoting the rule of law in Liberia and defending human rights. The work you do is critical for national development.  Thank you for  being inclusive and for your role in providing free legal aid to vulnerable people through your legal aid clinics. 

The theme of this Annual Assembly suggests a call for an election based on the law and the tenets of governance rather than impunity and rhetoric. I must reiterate that  LNBA is a major stakeholder in the electoral process and must play a crucial role in setting the agenda of political discourse and proactively pointing the way out of any challenging situation that may arise.

Thus, lawyers and the courts, must take a lead role in ensuring that the votes of Liberians are respected, protected, and always promoted. LNBA as a body is expected to engage in concerted non-partisan commitment to electoral integrity. Moreover, the LNBA has a crucial role in ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved in accordance with the rule of law and in a peaceful manner.

On Tuesday 4th April, the political parties will be signing the Farmington declaration committing to peaceful elections and bringing any grievances to the law. This is critical in the work you do as the country prepares for elections in October. Ensuring a good environment for peaceful, free, and fair elections also includes people trusting that the legal system works, and it is credible enough to support any claims that they may arise. 

Liberia has made significant democratic gains; elections plus other political processes remain pivotal to the quality of the country’s governance. Therefore, the upcoming elections can either greatly advance or set back the country’s long-term democratic advancement. The October elections are a defining moment and a test for Liberia’s democracy as they represent the will of the people. Yes, Liberia gets the electoral process right and you have no choice. To achieve this, elections must be transparent, inclusive, and accountable, and there must exist equitable opportunities to compete.

Looking at it from the rights point of view, political participation is a legal right. This includes the right to nominate and elect representatives, to hold public office in accordance with the principle of equal opportunities, to participate in private and public meetings, and the right to form and join political parties. The foundations of the right to participation are shaped by the notion that every citizen should be involved in decision-making which affects her or his interests. Everyone should be able to participate in society, to defend her or his interests, and to help create a society, which also fulfils her or his interests and desires. The freedom to vote and contest elections and the freedoms of association and assembly are the major political expressions of such participation. In this regard I congratulate Liberia for the proposed electoral law that allows 30% of women political representation, this is a step in the right direction and a major milestone for the country to promote gender equality and women empowerment. It is a demonstration of your commitment to SDGs and to the principle of leaving no one behind (LNOB).

One point that I must mention is the issue of monitoring the media. Information and communication is very critical and useful at any time in society, but we must guard against misinformation and disinformation (infodemics) could constitute a grave threat not only to the electoral process but to the peace and stability of any country. In the world of social media this issue is becoming very important and there is the need for people to communicate responsibly. The legal system can help guide credible media practices.

As you know the UN has made the 7th of April an international day for the campaign against genocide. I come from Rwanda, and I can tell you – hate speech through radio LTRM was used as a tool of genocide. I don’t wish any country to experience what we experienced in Rwanda.  It is important that the political competitive process remains within the rules and that all sides adhere to the tenets of the democratic process and desist from hate speech.

I, therefore, wish to draw the attention of all political parties, to keep the principles and commitments they make to prevent electoral violence, impunity, and injustice. It is fundamental that all Liberians recall the foundations upon which this country was built which is carved out in the preamble of the Liberian Constitution in the following words: - “unity, liberty, peace, stability, equality, justice and human rights under the rule of law, with opportunities for political, social, moral, spiritual and cultural advancement of our society, for ourselves and for our posterity.”

A week ago, I had the privilege to witness the commencement of voter registration and saw Liberians from all works of life, young and old, men and women, go out to register. The process has started peacefully and must end peacefully. Peace first and peace last.

Let me close by saying that as Africa’s oldest Republic, and a country that has transitioned from conflict to stability, the world will be watching Liberia’s elections closely. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa (UNOWAS) will arrive in the country for a solidarity visit and to witness the signature of the Farmington declaration for peaceful elections. The ECOWAS President will be here and other dignitaries for the same purpose.  I personally have no doubt that Liberians are committed to peaceful elections; there is no country that has experienced a history like you’re that can ever look behind. The country can only match forward.  The LNBA is a major player in ensuring that Liberia gives a good report of itself. 

I wish you well in your deliberations as you continue to plan for a positive influence on the electoral process.  

I thank you for your kind attention.