Monrovia — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern about the high number of unemployed youth including former combatants who continue to pose threat to stability in Liberia.

He said it would be important for the Liberian government and all stakeholders to work together to provide sustainable employment opportunities for the unemployed.

However, the Secretary General expressed appreciation to international partners and donors who are supporting reintegration and rehabilitation programs for former combatants and creating employment opportunities for the people of Liberia.

Mr. Ban Ki-moon's statement was contained in his sixteenth progress report to the UN Security Council delivered on March 19, 2008

He said despite encouraging developments, a number of tasks that are critical to the sustainability of peace and stability still have to be fully implemented by the Liberian government.

These, he added, include the reform of the legal and judicial system, the reintegration of war-affected populations and the extension of the rule of law throughout the country.

Ban Ki-moon: "In addition, Liberia still faces significant reconstruction and development challenges, including pervasive poverty, food insecurity, high unemployment, massive illiteracy, poor infrastructure and the inadequate delivery of basic services, including potable water, health services and education,".

Moreover, he pointed out that in spite of the efforts of the government, corruption still remains a major concern.

The Secretary General observed that the Liberian government continues to focus on the important priorities of ensuring economic recovery; obtaining forgiveness of the country's indebtedness; fighting corruption; implementing its interim poverty reduction strategy; revitalizing the agricultural sector; restoring basic services; rehabilitating basic infrastructure, including roads; and renovating and building schools, clinics, hospitals and administrative buildings.

He said while significant progress has been made in the restructuring and training of the police, the deployment and operations of the force are still hampered by a lack of vehicles, communications equipment and accommodation.

The Secretary General indicated that the Government of Liberia should accelerate the development of its security strategy and architecture, which will enable it to set out a coherent roadmap for assuming security responsibility for the country.

On the issue of the judiciary, Mr. Ban Ki-moon said a fair and effective judicial system is one key element in avoiding a return to conflict in Liberia. He said although the steps that have been taken by the Government to reform the judicial sector and to strengthen the rule of law are encouraging, much

more needs to be done.

In this regard, he suggested that the government needs to address the longstanding structural challenges facing the justice sector by adopting a comprehensive approach and far-reaching reforms.

"In addition, a major overhaul of the judicial and

correction system is required to increase access to justice and to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of detainees and prisoners. I urge international partners to

support the Government in this endeavor," he said.

"I am concerned about the high numbers of unemployed youth, including former combatants, who continue to pose a potential threat to stability in the

country. It will be important for all stakeholders to work together to provide sustainable employment opportunities for the unemployed," he added.