Thank you, Mme Chair,

for the brevity of time, I limit myself to “all protocols observed”. I would nevertheless thank all of today’s briefers, above all the Honorable Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, for their insightful contributions. I also want to take the opportunity of thanking you, Mme Chair, for your strong and continuous commitment and leadership on behalf of Liberia as Head of this Configuration.

Like previous delegations, we would like to congratulate the Government of Liberia, Mme Minister Nianti, Minister Tweh, and the people of Liberia for the successful holding of the general elections at the end of last year. This marks a further important milestone on Liberia’s path towards sustaining peace and democracy.

I would like to make three short remarks.

Firstly, we are very much encouraged to hear that Liberia continues to see the PBC as a critical partner in consolidating peace. Mme Minister, we heard your call loud and clear. In order to consolidate peace, Liberia needs further support for strengthening institutions and accelerate sustainable development. Germany will continue to support Liberia, bilaterally, through the PBC, especially through PBF funding, but also in galvanizing international support.

Secondly, we want to congratulate the government of Liberia on its decision to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court. Overcoming impunity, and ensuring justice and accountability for crimes committed during the civil war are critical for strengthening the rule of law, for reconciliation and for social cohesion.

Speaking from our own national experience, we believe it is crucial, that the new court is deeply embedded in the population and is perceived as transparent, independent and neutral. In setting up the new mechanism, this requires a close cooperation with critical stakeholders such as civil society, but also lawyers' and victims' associations.

We furthermore encourage a comprehensive approach to dealing with the past. Criminal proceedings should be flanked by truth-finding, dialogue and reconciliation to have a sustainable impact and to foster social cohesion.

Third and finally, we commend the Government of Liberia for developing a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security. All has been said by the previous speaker, the Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria, on the importance of the NAP and the critical role of women and youth in achieving durable peace. I have nothing to add. Empowering young people to make informed choices about their own, but also about their countries’ political future, is absolutely crucial for the future of Liberia, and for that matter for every country and society.

Thank you.