The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for the Rule of Law, Ms. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, says the United Nations recognizes that infrastructural improvements are essential components in the reform and strengthening of the Liberian justice system.

Ms. Mensa-Bonsu made this remark in the seaport city of Greenville in southeastern Sinoe County, when she handed over to the Liberian Government a newly-constructed annex of the Greenville Central Prison. The UN Deputy Envoy described the new facility as "an example of Liberia's growing need for corrections infrastructure". Funds used for the project were made available by the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

"The corrections sector plays a vital role in ensuring rule of law and security; it provides a secure environment for convicted criminals to pay their debt to society; and it allows for the successful rehabilitation of many offenders back to their families and communities thus preventing further offending", the UN Deputy Envoy noted.

Stressing the commitment of the UN family to remain a true partner of the Liberian Government, Ms. Mensa-Bonsu pledged her organization's continued support to the Ministry of Justice's reform efforts envisaged under the Ministry's recently developed strategic plan. The strategic plan provides the way forward for the corrections sector to contribute to the security, growth and development of Liberia within a structured and organized framework.

The DSRSG emphasized that the rule of law remains a priority area for the United Nations. UNMIL through its QIPs scheme, she pointed out, "has collaborated with the Government on a number of projects in the rule of law sector to construct courthouses, police stations, detention facilities and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization depots across the country". Additional rule of law QIPs projects are planned for the coming year, the UN Deputy Envoy revealed.

While in Sinoe Ms. Mensa-Bonsu held meetings aimed at enhancing rule of law activities in the County. Participating in these meetings were local county authorities, members of civil society organizations, rule of law actors and traditional leaders.

Deputy Justice Minister for Administration and Public Safety, Ms. Eva Mappy Morgan commended the United Nations for the newly-constructed annex to the Greenville Central Prison. She said the extension will create decency for inmates and will ensure basic human rights and rehabilitation of inmates while they are in the Government's custody.

The new prison annex is one of 12 correctional facilities in 11 counties in Liberia. It has two additional cells with a capacity for 20 inmates, a kitchen, perimeter wall, improved sanitary facilities that reduce health concerns, and better security. The hand-over ceremony was also attended by the Resident Circuit Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Sinoe County, His Honour Albert C. Dweh, magistrates, UNMIL and local county officials, and civil society actors in the county.

UNMIL is determined to succeed UN Envoy reassures Liberians

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Liberia, Ms. Ellen Margrethe Loj, has reiterated UNMIL's commitment to attain sustainable and irreversible peace in Liberia.

"I wish to assure our partners in the government of Liberia that we remain focused and committed and will continue to work with them during this phase to ensure that the hard won peace is sustainable and irreversible in Liberia," she said urging Liberians to work harder towards assuming full ownership of development in their country.

Ms. Loj made this statement when she awarded UN peacekeeping medals to 115 Jordanian peacekeepers for their service in UNMIL and contribution to Liberia's peace process.

Recognizing the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's long commitment to global peace, SRSG Loj noted that Jordan was one of the first countries to send its troops to Liberia in 2003 when the UN announced the need. Since then, Jordan has been supporting the peace process in Liberia - with a current total of 370 Jordanian peacekeepers presently serving in UNMIL, comprising 115 medical staff, 240 Formed Police Officers, and 15 Military Observers and Staff Officers.

The UN Envoy recounted the contributions of the Jordanian peacekeepers in providing medical services to UNMIL staff and to Liberians, which, she said, supported the peace process. She commended them for their assistance to those under their care. "I am proud today to honour you and congratulate you for your generosity towards your fellow human beings," she said.

SRSG Loj also praised the Jordanian contingent for their community outreach activities, including providing academic materials and organising medical outreaches to schools and also donating food to communities where they serve. She thanked them for sharing their knowledge and experience by training the medical staff and technicians at the JFK Hospital, and especially for repairing a broken X-ray machine, which she described as "the kind of action which saves lives."

Paying a special tribute to the Commander of the Jordanian contingent for his exemplary leadership, the UN Envoy said, "Your commitment and professionalism have inspired the peacekeepers under your command to serve with honour," adding that the Colonel brought qualities and values like hard work, compassion and respect for humanity to his work.

Reminding the peacekeepers of the tasks ahead as UNMIL enters the third stage of its drawdown, she urged them to redouble their efforts and remain flexible. "This calls for more concerted efforts to work harder and be ready to adapt as troop levels will be adjusted in this new stage," she stated.

In his remarks, the Contingent Commander Colonel Mohammed Alsallal said that the Jordanian peacekeepers were proud to be a part of UNMIL and to be messengers of peace in Liberia. "They will go back home once their tenure of mission has ended with glorious memories that they were part of this magnificent effort to bring peace and security to Liberia," he said.

Colonel Alsallal appreciated the experience he has gained working with "professional, enthusiastic and cooperative civilian and military personnel at all levels," as well as the opportunity to work in Liberia.

Also attending the ceremony were UNMIL Acting Force Commander, Major-General Carl Modey; Director of Mission Support, Mr. Stephen Lieberman; UNMIL Military Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Paul T. Boroh; Sector A Commander, Brig.-Gen. E. B. Awala; and other senior military and police officials.