-A NATIONAL FAMILY COURT IN SIGHT
BY Intern reporter: Restore Hall
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Law Reform Commission (LRC), Cllr. Bornor Varmah, has disclosed that the Commission is working on a legislation to establish a National Family Court that would be solely responsible to handle family-related matters, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and guardianship.
He did not elaborate further, but stressed that gaps in Liberia’s laws and bad governance were among the major causes of the country’s civil conflict.
Cllr. Varmah made the assertion during the regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, where he outlined the commission’s ongoing efforts to reform Liberia’s legal system.
According to him, the LRC was established to address law reform issues and ensure that Liberia’s laws are consistent with the 1986 Constitution and existing legislation.
He said law reform is essential to democratic stability, national development, and good governance, stressing that a strong legal system is necessary for the effective functioning of government institutions.
Cllr. Varmah disclosed that the commission has developed a National Law Reform Policy, which is intended to ensure that proposed bills are reviewed before being submitted to the Legislature.
He explained that the process would help prevent conflicts between new laws, existing legislation, and the Constitution.
The LRC Chairman also disclosed that the commission has completed an audit of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution. He said the review is necessary because some provisions of the Constitution may no longer adequately address the country’s present realities.
He noted that the commission is working with the National Legislature and other stakeholders on a possible comprehensive constitutional review process.
He also disclosed plans to establish a specialized court for land disputes, citing the importance of resolving land-related conflicts through a dedicated legal mechanism.
On the mining sector, Cllr. Varmah said the LRC is working with relevant government institutions to review Liberia’s mineral laws, which he described as outdated. He said the reform is intended to strengthen the country’s legal framework for managing its mineral resources and addressing illegal mining.
He added that the commission is also reviewing laws related to non-performing loans and commercial disputes to strengthen the legal system for recovering loans and enforcing contracts.
Cllr. Bornor Varmah further disclosed that the LRC is working on legislation to establish a National Railway Authority, which he said could support investment, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities for Liberians.
He emphasized that the commission will continue working with government institutions, the legislature, and other stakeholders to ensure that Liberia’s laws are properly reviewed and updated.
The LRC Chairman also disclosed that the commission is seeking technical and institutional support from international partners, including Cornell University and other law reform institutions, to strengthen Liberia’s legal sector.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to making law reform a major contributor to good governance, economic growth, and national development.
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