LIBERIA: International Day of Peace celebrated
….Land Rights Policy Highlighted – By: Augustine N. Myers – Liberia has joined other countries around the world to celebrate “International Day of Peace”, with a call on Liberians to make peace a priority.
Cross Section of the Audience at the Int’l Day of Peace Celebration held in Sanoyea, Bong County small
Int’l Day of Peace Parade in Sanoyea, Bong County
LDS Boss, Mr. Binda(R) and Madam Lindqvist (L) of FCA, parade along with others
Platform Guests of the Int’l Day of Peace Celebration, with Key-note Speaker, Madam Liberty (R)
The celebration was simultaneously held in most parts of the country and was organized by the Lutheran Development Service (LDS) and the Civil Peace Service (CPS) Liberia Network.
Serving as Key-note Speaker at the official celebration over the week-end in Sanoyea, Bong County, a Commissioner at Liberia’s Land Commission, Madam Estelle K. Liberty challenged Liberians to value peace, because according to her peace is precious and it must be nurtured, maintained and defended.
She addressed the topic: “Usage of Land Rights Policy to Attain Peace in Liberia”.
Madam Liberty said Liberia has just celebrated a decade of peace (2003-2013), and that the country has many challenges, one of which that continues to the threaten peace and stability of the State.
She named increasing land disputes across the country as serious issues that threaten the peace of any society.
Madam Liberty also spoke about wide spread perceptions across the country that the next civic crisis in Liberia would arise from land disputes, something she urged Liberians to fight against.
She also urged Liberians to be mindful of the numerous land conflicts around the country and their corresponding consequences.
The Land Commissioner also spoke about the Land Rights Policy, which she described as important and one intended to foster national peace and stability.
According to her, the Liberian government decided to formulate the National Land Rights Policy, noting that the most singular and cardinal principle guarding the Policy is Secure Land Rights.
She pointed out that the promotion of peace through the Land Rights Policy is not only the responsibility of the Liberian government, but the entire citizenry.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Lutheran Development Service in Liberia (LDS), Mr. Joseph S. Binda called on Liberians to always prioritize peaceful co-existence.
According to Mr. Binda, Liberia cannot progress if its citizens do not learn to peacefully live together.
Mr. Binda also called on the Liberian government to take the lead in championing the process of national peace and reconciliation across the country.
He wants the Government to create more awareness on issues that promote peace, including activities marking International Day of Peace to help foster peace not only in Liberia but the Region as a whole.
Mr. Binda said LDS remains committed in championing the issue of peace, and commanded partners for supporting their activities in three counties, “Bong, Lofa and Nimba”.
He said the issue of land is very crucial to the maintenance of peace, that’s why LDS with support from its donors and partners continues to work in the three counties promoting peace and development.
The LDS Executive Director said his Organization’s Peace Building activities have impacted the lives of rural dwellers, and that the celebration of International Day of Peace is held annually in each of the areas on a respective basis.
Also speaking at the occasion, the West Africa Regional Representative of Finn Church Aid, Leena Lindqvist commanded the Lutheran Development Service (LDS) and the Civil Peace Service (CPS) Liberia Network for ensuring the successful celebration of the International Day of Peace in Liberia.
Madam Lindqvist said she was happy to be a part of celebrations marking International Day of Peace, especially regarding the issue of land that was the center of focus for the celebration.
She said land issue is very important, and that she was impressed with the level of responses from the people concerning land disputes and the way forward.
According to her, it is always important to discuss land issues and on how the people understand it.
She also stressed the need for more awareness and education on Land Rights and Policy to build the capability of the people, to fully understand land issues.
Madam Lindqvist pledged the commitment of Finn Church Aid towards the promotion and sustenance of peace and development issues.
Earlier, in a Proclamation by the Liberian Leader, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, which was read by Student Fatu Mboanah of Sanoyea District, requested Government Ministries and Agencies, the civil society, national and international organizations as well as learning and religious institutions, market and other dwelling places in the country to cease their usual movement and observe a Minute of Silence commencing at 12 noon on that day, “something that was observed during the celebration”.
The Proclamation further stressed that Liberia, which was among the first fifty(50) countries to sign the Charter establishing the United Nations on 24th October 1945, with the mandate to save further generations from the scourge of war and to promote world peace, is today among those countries benefiting from the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions around the world.
The Proclamation also stated that the 2013 International Day of Peace celebration should hold a special significance for the Government and People of Liberia as the nation reflects on land rights and tenure as critical factors for a secure, peaceful and inclusive Liberia.
According to the Proclamation, Liberia has come to the realization that land ownership, administration and use remain challenging issues in which the nation attempts to address through a series of policies and laws intended to confront longstanding injustices to institute and promote peace, fair and just practices, adding that Education on the land rights policy has become an imperative relevant issue to the national context.
International Day of Peace was celebrated over the week-end under the Global Theme: “Education for Peace”; While it was celebrated under the National Theme: “Peaceful Land: Building Peace through Fair Land Policy”.
The official celebration of the International Day of Peace in Sanoyea District, Bong County was also attended by the Bong County Authority, Chiefs, Elders, youth, women and students, Christian and Muslim Communities and other well-meaning individuals and organizations.
