The Law Reform Commission (LRC) has concluded a one-day working session on the Draft Strategic Plan for 2025—2029, in line with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda. The session was facilitated by a consultant, Charles Yorke.
In his welcome and opening statement, the Chairperson/CEO of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, lauded the staff for their timely attendance as is essential to the continued effectiveness and relevance of the commission.
“As we reflect on our mandate, it is clear law reform is not a static exercise. It must evolve in response to emerging legal, social and economic realities. Our strategic plan, therefore, is more than a document; it is a roadmap that should guide our priorities, sharpen our focus, and strengthen our impact.”
Concluding, Cllr. Varmah averred that today’s session provides an opportunity to take a critical look at where the LRC is, assess what the LRC has achieved, and identify gaps that require deliberate attention, “I encourage open, constructive, and forward-looking discussions. Every perspective is valuable, and your contributions will help ensure that our strategy is practical, responsive, and aligned with national development agenda.
“Let us also use this moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and integrity in the work that we do. The strength of this commission lies in the collective expertise and dedication of its members and staff,” Cllr. Varmah concluded.
Giving an overview of the session, the LRC Executive Director, Cllr. Ramses T. Kumbuyah, disclosed that the Strategic Plan (2025—2029) was drafted by the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in 2025 in a participatory manner. According to him, the plan is an outcome of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Cllr. Kumbuyah pointed out that the LRC’s Strategic Plan was drafted during the administration of Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh (now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia). He noted that since then a lot has changed and there are new realities within the rule of law sector that the Law Reform Commission needs to respond to it. “It is therefore a great idea to update the Strategic Plan drafted during the administration of Cllr. Boakai N. Kanneh,” he said.
The LRC’s Strategic Plan was drafted to contribute to the fulfilment of goals and targets of the ARREST agenda for Inclusive Development, and contributes to Pillar III of the national plan, Rule of Law. Key outputs under the Strategic Plan are in four-fold—Law Reform (Statutes), Codification of Laws, Gender and Human Rights, and Institutional Strengthening.
The Executive Director emphasized that the working session was intended to review and update the LRC’s Strategic Plan (2025—2029) to incorporate new strategies and focus, especially in Policy Areas and Legal Governance. In so doing, ED Kumbuyah iterated that Cllr. Varmah’s new vision for the Law Reform Commission covers, but is not limited to, thorough review of existing legislation, enhancing access to justice and promoting equity, codification and simplification of legal texts, engagement with stakeholders and public participation, and strengthening the institutional capacity of the LRC.
Cllr. Varmah highlighted the pressing need to address outdated statutes that conflict with the 1986 Constitution and fail to reflect contemporary realities. He committed to spearheading a collaborative review process aimed at harmonizing and modernizing Liberia’s legal codes in accordance with Constitutional principles and international standards.
He pledged to implement reforms that guarantee fairness and inclusivity within the justice system, particularly for marginalized groups, including women, children, and individuals with disability.
He further pledged to build public trust and encourage compliance, and promised to simplify and codify laws, making them more comprehensible and accessible to the general populace.
Recognizing that effective law reform requires broad collaboration, Cllr. Varmah vowed to work closely with the Liberian National Bar Association, the Judiciary, the Legislature, academia, civil society, and international partners. He emphasized the importance of incorporating the perspectives of ordinary Liberians into the reform process.
He then acknowledged the necessity for the commission to bolster its institutional capabilities to effectively carry out its mandate. He committed to enhancing research functions, promoting transparency, and fostering a professional environment that attracts skilled legal practitioners.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director disclosed that there are specific areas that the Chairman of the LRC wants incorporated in the updated version of the Strategic Plan consistent with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Legislative Agenda, including Family Court Bill, Dedicated Land Court Bill, Environmental Court Bill, The Nuclear Law, Environmental Law, Review and Revise the EPA Act, Review and Revise the Ministry of Transport Act, Review and Revise the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs Act, Draft the National Local Content Law. Review the Human Rights and Gender Laws of Liberia, The Business Registry Bill, the LWSC Act, the LPRC Act and the National Planning Commission Bill.
Others include the National Road Authority Bill, Universal Health Insurance Bill, Repealing of all People’s Redemption Council (PRC) Decrees, Review the Investment Law of Liberia, Review the Mining Law of Liberia, Amendment of the NHA Act, Review the Liberia Maritime Law, Liberia Budget and Planning Commission Bill, Liberia Road Authority Bill, Review the 1986 New Elections Law of Liberia (decentralizing Administrative form quasi-judicial functions), Ensure the implementation of the Human Rights Action Plan; and Review and amend the Discriminatory Laws.
The Executive Director then urged staff’s participation with focus on new ideas that will make the strategic plan livable and implementable, taking into consideration cost and sources of funding.
