MOJ leads integration of security apparatus

The Deputy Minister for Administration and Public Safety at the Ministry of Justice, Wheatonia Barnes says the Ministry has taken the lead in integrating national security apparatus that embraces the diversity of the Liberian people.

Minister Barnes made the assertion when she proxy for the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Frederick Cherue at the launch of a one-day conference of women in security sector held recently at the Conference Room of the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia.

According to a press release from the Gender in Security Sector Taskforce, Minister Barnes also notes that the Justice Ministry in collaboration with the University of Liberia SSR Think Tank recently launched an Advance Course on Women, Peace and Security Studies for the Gender Focal Points of Liberia’s security institutions.

He says to allow continuous research and production of knowledge in the field, they will endeavor to establish the first Library in the country on women, peace and security studies.

“Integrating gender in the security sector reform is necessary to comply with international and regional laws including the convention on the Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security”, she reminds the gathering.

In a passionate appeal to put gender and women issues on the front burner, Minister Barnes urges senior leadership and the security sector institutions to effectively promote the right of women to participate in security sector institutions as staff and decision makers. She wants rules against harassment and discrimination within the security sector established.

The conference, which brought together key stakeholders in the security sector from across the country, is an event jointly organized by the ministries of Justice, Defense and Gender, Children and Social Protection. It was held in collaboration with National Security Council Secretariat with UNMIL Assessed Funding support.

Essentially it emphasizes the promotion of dialogue on the need to increase inclusion of women and their perspectives into the Liberian Security Sector Reform process and to ensure that SSR initiatives respond to the needs and capacities of women, men, girls and boys at national security institutions. Press Release