MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Peace-Building Commission, Chairperson and Sweden Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicola Clase, says women are champions of peace in their communities, given the key role they played in ending the Liberian civil war and setting the country on the path to sustainable peace and development.

Mrs. Clase stressed the need for economic opportunities for women, political participation and protection from sexual and gender-based violence, including the provision of social services.

Ambassador Clase was in Liberia on a five-day visit as part of the UN Peace-building Commission’s Liberia configuration, which was established to accompany Liberia on the road from civil war to peace, re-iterating the UN’s commitment Liberia’s peacebuilding efforts.

While in Liberia, Ambassador Clase engaged with the government, joint security, UN-Liberia Team, CSO women and youth groups in Monrovia and Bong, noting that the Liberian people are committed to peace and are determined to translate the sustainable peace into economic development.

The Peace-building Commission Chairperson noted that her engagement with the youth of Liberia also showed their commitment to being productive, and agents of peace and development, stressing the need for continual investment in educational opportunities, children, youth and adults.

During a Press Conference on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the ONE UN-House, Ambassador Clase disclosed that the Peacebuilding fund has provided over hundred Million US Dollars in support to Liberia’s peacebuilding priorities, including government institutions at national and local levels since 2007.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Clase has acknowledged the urgent need to hold perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable for their actions during the Liberian civil war.

She recognized the Government’s initial efforts in establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court and the setting up of the office to prosecute people who committed crimes during the war.

During her 5-day visit to Liberia, Ambassador Clase said:” Liberians are committed to continue and sustain the peace of the Country.”

According to her, the several years of civil war has taught Liberians lessons to embrace peace over violence and conflict.