Ambassadorial-level meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission on Liberia

Check Against Delivery

Thank you, Madam Chair, for convening this meeting - and to the esteemed briefers for your remarks.

Let me begin by acknowledging the steps taken by Libera in its transition out of conflict, including the peaceful elections last year. We hope your efforts can be an inspiration for others.

As part of the transitional justice process, Denmark welcomes the establishment of an office of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

An end to impunity for war and economic crimes - with due process - can further promote national reconciliation and sustainable peace.

In sustaining peace, inclusion remains key. To this end, I would like to highlight two points:

Firstly, partnerships with and meaningful participation of young people at local, national and multilateral level can have a positive impact. Youth participation should not be an afterthought; it is key to sustaining peace.

Therefore, Denmark welcomes the initiatives taken to develop Liberia’s first national action plan on youth, peace and security. Developing and implementing a national action plan on youth, peace and security will be an impressive step that will place Liberia at the forefront of this agenda.The national action plan could accelerate inclusion, including of young women, as key for a peaceful and inclusive societiy. A good example is the Women’s Peace Huts, a concrete mechanism that bridges divides and strengthens diverse inclusion across Liberia.

Secondly, the Peacebuilding Fund is an important instrument for supporting prevention and peacebuilding efforts at all levels. Therefore, Denmark renewed its long-term commitment to the Peacebuilding Fund this year. We appreciate the close collaboration between the Peacebuilding Fund and Liberia in sustaining peace. Indeed, peace and security can be promoted through frameworks, like the national action plan, that are well-resourced, context-specific, developed with youth and have national ownership.

Thank you.