UNDP Renews Commitment to Strengthening Liberia’s Justice System as New Magistrates Graduate
Monrovia, Liberia – July 20, 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s justice sector as a new group of magistrates successfully completed the Professional Magistrate Training Program (Cycle 4).
The graduation ceremony, held on July 17, 2026, at the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute, brought together representatives from the Judiciary of Liberia, the Government, development partners, legal professionals, and families of the graduates to celebrate a major step toward building a stronger and more effective justice system.
The event highlighted Liberia’s continued efforts to promote the rule of law by developing a professional, ethical, and competent judiciary capable of providing fair and accessible justice to all citizens.
Speakers at the ceremony stressed that magistrates serve as the first connection between many citizens and the justice system, making their role critical in building public trust and confidence in the courts.
UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed UNDP’s continued partnership with the Judiciary of Liberia in strengthening legal institutions and improving access to justice.
“UNDP remains committed to supporting a justice system that is accessible, accountable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Liberians,” Dia said, adding that strong institutions and ethical judicial leadership are essential for peace, democratic governance, and national development.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan emphasized that a credible and independent judiciary is vital to economic growth, investor confidence, and sustainable development.
Minister Ngafuan also highlighted the Government of Liberia’s increasing support toward judicial reform, including stronger budgetary assistance for the judiciary and continued investment in magistrate training.
Minister of Justice Cllr. Oswald Tweh urged the new magistrates to defend the Constitution, reject corruption, and deliver justice with fairness and impartiality while protecting the rights of every Liberian regardless of background.
Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. reminded the graduates that the reputation of Liberia’s courts depends on the integrity and professionalism of judicial officers. He encouraged them to serve with courage, humility, fairness, and compassion, noting that delayed justice affects public confidence.
The class valedictorian, Josiah Wiah, reflected on his personal journey from growing up during Liberia’s civil crisis to becoming the top graduate of the programme. He thanked his family, mentors, sponsors, and classmates for their support.
Wiah encouraged his fellow graduates to see their certificates as a responsibility to the Liberian people and pledged to uphold honesty, impartiality, and dedication throughout their judicial careers.
Established in 2008 by the Supreme Court of Liberia, the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute remains the country’s leading institution for judicial education, research, and professional development.
Over the years, the Institute has played a major role in strengthening Liberia’s justice system by providing specialized training for judges, magistrates, public defenders, court clerks, city solicitors, and other justice sector professionals.
The Professional Magistrate Training Program has become one of the Institute’s key initiatives, producing more than 230 professionally trained magistrates who now serve communities across Liberia, including rural and underserved areas.
UNDP has remained a long-term partner of the Judiciary of Liberia, supporting efforts to improve judicial education, accountability, transparency, and access to justice.
Through various capacity-building programmes, UNDP has helped strengthen the skills and professionalism of justice sector actors, including judges and public defenders, while supporting initiatives focused on gender-based violence, juvenile justice, anti-corruption, and ethical leadership.
The latest support includes the Judges Peer-to-Peer Review and Accountability Training, which brought together judges from across the country to promote knowledge sharing, improved performance, and stronger accountability within the judiciary.
The graduation ceremony ended with renewed commitment from the Government of Liberia, the Judiciary, and development partners to continue investing in judicial reforms and ensuring that justice remains available, fair, and accessible to every Liberian.
The partnership also reflects UNDP’s continued support toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. By: Naneka A. Hoffman