EU-Sponsored Project Launched in Lofa to Promote Transparency in Security Sector

April 8, 2016 by

ZORZOR, Lofa – In preparation for the drawdown of UNMIL, the Centre for Justice and Peace Studies, in partnership with International Alert and the Liberia National Law Enforcement Association on Tuesday officially launched the Security Actions for Everyone project in Zorzor.

The program brought together a variety of stakeholders including Lofa County Attorney Luther Sumo, County Inspector Jimmah Kamara, city and district authorities, local radio stations, among others.

The ‘SAFE’ project is funded by the European Union and the Embassy of Sweden and will be implemented in four of the fifteen counties of Liberia, including Lofa, Bong, Nimba, and Montserrado.

The project intends to help citizens of Liberia understand their rights and responsibilities in managing security by closely interacting with the Liberia National Police through regular discussions.

Attendees at the event. Photo: James Kwabo

Attendees at the event. Photo: James Kwabo

A release from the European Union said the project is expected to target twenty-five communities and ten schools within the implementing counties.

Speaking at the launch of the project in Zorzor, the President of the Liberia National Law Enforcement Association, Cecil Griffiths, told the gathering of attendees that in Lofa the project will be implemented in both Zorzor and Salayea districts as a pilot phase targeting three public institutions.

At the end of the project, the partners expect to increase awareness of citizens’ rights, in addition to promoting transparency in the justice and security sector.

“The project will be implemented through dialogue meetings with communities and the police, training of police officers in conflict-sensitive approaches and code of conduct and ethics, awareness of the work of the police in schools as well as awareness on the media,” Griffiths noted.

In a special remark during the launch, Lofa County Attorney Luther Sumo thanked the implementing partners for deciding to launch the project in Lofa but called on the donors and partners to implement the project in other parts of the county.

Featured photo by James Kwabo

 

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James Kwabo

James lives in Zorzor and is the General Manager of Alternative Youth Radio 98.9MHz and National Director of Youth Talk-Liberia. He completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and Public Administration from the United Methodist University Magna Cum Laude.

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