Report by Massa Kanneh_masskanneh4@gmail.com
Monrovia: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) through its collaborating partners, the Swedish and Irish Governments, has donated several sets of uniforms to the Liberia National Police.
Presenting the uniforms to the Liberia National Police on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police, the Deputy Resident Representative for Operations of UNDP Liberia, Mr. Mulugeta Abebe said the donation is in continuation of UNDP’s support to the rule of law program in ensuring a comprehensive response across the criminal justice chain which seeks to strengthen every institution in the justice system, to curtail any weakness that may compromise the entire justice system.
He said the uniforms are intended to further strengthen the operational visibility of the Liberia National Police and to also enhance public confidence in the ability of the institution to protect lives and properties.
UNDP Program provides sector wise support to the justice and security sector. The sector wise approach is critical to ensure a comprehensive response approach across the criminal Justice chain which seeks to strengthen every institution in the system.
Also speaking at the handover ceremony, the head of Administration at the Swedish Embassy, Henrik Gustafsson said as a partner of the UNDP/OHCHR, the Swedish Embassy acknowledges the hard work of the Liberia National Police in preserving national peace and security.
He further expressed the hope that the new uniforms will aid Police officers in the discharge of their duties and to ensure accountability and to find common strength and uniformity within the force.
As a supporting partner to the UNDP rule of law program for Justice and security in Liberia, is a pleasure to be at this donation ceremony.
Uniforms is more than attires; it is a symbol, when the police officer puts on the Uniform, he or she is no longer just a citizen of the nation, but part of a larger entity set up to uphold the nation’s laws and protects the citizens.
We hope the police officers use these uniforms well in the discharge of their national duties.”
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Liberia National Police, the Inspector General of Police, Hon. Patrick Toe Sudue expressed gratitude to the UNDP, Irish, and Swedish Governments for their continuous support to the Liberia National police especially in the time of need.
He said the uniforms will be used for its intended purpose and intent.
Hon. Sudue further commended the UNDP for providing funding and logistical support to the community Policing arm of the LNP and the establishment of the Civilian Complaints Review Board which is intended to ensure accountability and oversight in relation to the LNP transformation and increasing its professionalism, among others.
The Liberian National Police is grateful to the UNDP which has over the period assisted the LNP in many capacities.
At present the UNDP is doing a feasibility study on our various police station outstations and they have renovated one of our police stations in Zorzor with another one in Korlahun district.
During the period under review, I was very instrumental to appeal to some friends and the Government in particular and we were able to acquire 3, 200 suits of uniforms and 3,000 rain coats. As we speak, we are still distributing those uniforms.”
