Africa-Press – Liberia. In a bid to address persistent domestic issues, the Supreme Court of Liberia and the Liberian National Bar Association are partnering to legislate a Family and Children Court in the country.
The Liberian National Bar Association and the Judiciary through the Supreme Court, have expressed collaborative and joint commitment on a proposed Act to establish Family and Children Court, aimed at addressing family and children’s issues, especially marriage, divorce, separation, children’s support, adoption, guidance of children, and custody of children.
Liberian Chief Justice, His Honor, Yamie QuiQui Gbeisay, speaking on the planned establishment of the special court, described the Judiciary as an end user of the law, as promulgated; therefore, he believes they are in a better position to know those challenges they face in interpreting the law.
“In line with the spirit of coordination and cooperation among the three branches of government, we have constituted a committee to draft a bill to be forwarded to the Legislature via the Executive Branch, for the establishment of family and children court. There exists an urgent need for a family court. At the moment, the issue of family, which includes marriage, divorce, separation, children’s support, adoption, guidance of children, custody of children, etc., is being handled in bits and pieces by the Probate court, Civil Law Court, and the Juvenile Court of Montserrado County”, Chief Justice Gbeisay explained.
According to him, all of these courts are not only overcrowded but also lack the requisite training, support, and expertise to handle family matters. He urges national and international development partners to support this endeavor.
Meanwhile, the Liberian National Bar Association has consented to the Judiciary through the Supreme Court for the establishment of a family and children’s court, with President Cllr. Bonor M. Varmah, expressed appreciation and partnership towards such enactment.
“Mr. Chief Justice, the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) commends the Judiciary for the ongoing efforts to establish a Family and Children Court, with specialized jurisdiction over matters relating to marriage, divorce, adoption, and the guardianship and welfare of children. The LNBA fully aligns with this initiative, recognizing that such a specialized and dedicated court will not only promote efficiency and sensitivity in handling family-related disputes but also ensure that justice in these delicate matters is delivered with compassion and expertise.” He noted.
The Bar President believes that with adequate training for judges, social workers, and court personnel, this court can become a model of restorative and child-centered justice within the Liberian judicial system.
“The Bar stands ready to collaborate with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to support this progressive reform through advocacy, legal education, and capacity building for family law practitioners”, Cllr. Varmah pledges.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
