Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA), in collaboration with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has concluded a two-day stakeholder’s validation session in Monrovia.
The purpose of the validation was to endorse the draft administrative regulations that will support the implementation of the amended Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2022.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Jefferson S. Kanmoh, National Security Advisor to the President, acknowledged LiNCA and UNDP for organizing such a meeting that would consolidate Liberia’s peace process.
He told the participants it is important that attention be paid to the conflict and fragility, including the instruments such as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons that were discussed.
Kanmoh said prior to destabilizing the implications of controlling small arms and light weapons, indicating that in the absence of the administrative regulation to implement the firearms and ammunition control act of 2022 is a development cause.
He added, “You are witnessing the use of violence concession and authorize the importation of illicit weapons into Liberia and across our borders. The ever-increasing availability of small arms and light weapons has been a major contributor to the increase in criminality and secret killing of our people, as well as rebuilding the development efforts of Liberia.”
The National Security Advisor used the occasion to inform the participants that the consistent proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the capacity of the country to create or maintain instruments are critical to ensuring safety and prosperity as well as social life protection.
He said the government placed emphasis on resources that will be highlighted in the security budget, as well as health, education, and developments in other areas.
“With the coming into force of the administrative regulations to execute the firearms and ammunition control act, it will be prudent with clear and direct punishment for offenses of weapon use that the government will go after people that will be involved,” Kanmoh said.
According to him, basic usage of firearms and proliferation are a bit of a concern at the national and international levels. In an effort to address the issues, communities are making every effort through collaboration with state and non-state actors.
He said, “So, as we gathered today, I have no doubt that the meeting will lead to and foster understanding amongst stakeholders and a comprehensive understanding of the firearms and ammunition control act of 2022 to ensure successful implementation of the recommendations.”
Commenting earlier on the overview, Thomas K. Kollie, acting chairman of LiNCA, said the successful conclusion of the validation meeting marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance national security and public safety.
He said by endorsing the draft administrative regulations, the stakeholders have demonstrated their commitment to a comprehensive and robust framework for firearms and ammunition control.
Kollie added, “This event is very important considering that we are here to induct the working document that will support the effective implementation of one of the most important national laws for the maintenance of peace and security in Liberia.
“As we may be aware, the government of Liberia amended the Liberia firearms and ammunition control acts of 2015 in 2022 to domesticate the United Nations Arm Treaty following several stakeholder review sessions funded by the government of Liberia and international partners.”
Kollie disclosed that the partnership between LiNCA and UNDP has played a crucial role in facilitating this process. Their joint efforts have fostered an environment of cooperation and knowledge-sharing, enabling the development of regulations that are both practical and in line with international best practices.
He said that to support the effective implementation of the new firearms law, the Commission and UNDP hired two national legal and technical consultants under the EU, ECOWAS Organized Crimes, and West Africa Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) project to lead the development of the initial draft of the administrative regulations.
According to him, the consultants held several engagements with relevant stakeholders and gathered diverse views to inform their work.
Kollie said if endorsed, the administrative regulation will, among other things, define specifications for firearms fees, penalties, and other procedures required for the trade transfer, possession, manufacturing, and use of firearms ammunition exclusive to Liberia.
He also used the platform to acknowledge ECOWAS and the EU for funding this initiative under the OCWAR-T project and diplomatic missions accredited near Monrovia, as well as other partners for the promotion of peace and security.
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