The Ambassador of Ireland accredited near Monrovia, Gerald Considine and his team have paid a courtesy visit at the offices of the Female Lawyers Association of Liberia on Lynch Streets in Central Monrovia.
Amb. Considine and his team during their visit was well received by officials and members of AFELL..
Speaking during his visitation, the Irish Diplomat stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with AFELL in the execution of its program.
Mr. Considine highlighted among other things advancing cooperation in Human Rights, Gender Equality, Accountability, Women Political Participation, Health, Climate Change, and Fellowship.
As a means of buttresisng the effort of the impactful programs and activities of AFELL, Gerald further pledged his Embassy support to the professional body especially in its advocacies among others.
His commitment was in response to a request made by AFELL of a planned conference to be hosted by transitional justice and civil society actors.
The planned program is geared toward drafting recommendations for submission to the Office of the War and Economic Crimes (WECC).
According to him, his visit to AFELL’s office was as a result of the tremendous work done by AFELL over the period something that worths commendation.
In response, the President of AFELL, Atty. Philomena T. Williams during the meeting, reintegrated AFELL’s mission especially in promoting, protecting and advancing the rights of women, children, and indigents persons in Liberia.
She at the same time emphasized AFELL’s advocacy on Human Rights Violation, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Human Trafficking, Harmful Traditional Practices, Discrimination, Gender Sensitive Laws Reform and Women Political Participation.
Atty. Williams also informed the Ireland Ambassador that with the support of partners, some major achievements were made, including the establishment of the Juvenile Court, the passage of the inheritance law, the amendment of the New Penal Law of Liberia on the definition of rape, the establishment of Criminal Court E and the setting up of the SGBV unit of the Ministry of Justice.
The AFELL Boss also expressed AFELL’s highest appreciation to the Ambassador and his government for the support to AFELL over the years including the granting of scholarships to AFELL members for studies to Ireland.
However, Outlining some of their challenges to Amb. Considine in successfully executing their mission, Atty. Williams used the ocassion to appeal to the Ireland Embassy accredited near Monrovia for more support to AFELL’s works and programs respectively.
Meanwhile, the fruitful meeting and visit was attended by the President and Vice President of AFELL Atty. Philomena T. Williams and Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley.
Others in attendance were the Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Cllr. Rosemarie James and Cllr. Felicia Coleman respectively.
