Strasbourg, France-May 22, 2025- Representing the Republic of Liberia at the 34th Executive Committee Meeting of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe held in Strasbourg, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., delivered a powerful statement on behalf of Her Excellency Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Liberia.
In his address, Ambassador Yorlay expressed Liberia’s deep appreciation for its accession to the Centre and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to promoting peace, democracy, cooperation, and human rights on the global stage.
“Liberia relishes its membership in global bodies committed to the promotion of peace, mutual cooperation, and respect for human rights,” Ambassador Yorlay declared, emphasizing Liberia’s readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration between the Global North and South.
According to an official press release issued by the Liberian Embassy located near Paris, France and dated, May 21,2025, Ambassador Yorlay spoke about “Liberia’s tragic past and hard-earned progress.”
While at it, the Ambassador reflected on the devastating civil conflicts that once crippled the nation and highlighted the country’s ongoing transformation into a stable and peaceful democracy. He further noted that since the end of the conflict in 2003, Liberia has made peace and the rule of law the cornerstones of its national development strategy, attracting investment and fostering reconciliation.
That said, a key moment in his remarks came as Ambassador Yorlay highlighted President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s recent signing of Executive Order 131, establishing the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.
He described this as a milestone toward accountability, justice, and healing for war-era atrocities and corruption. “Liberia, therefore, calls for partnership in supporting efforts to investigate war crimes and human rights abuses committed during our civil crises,” he urged; while calling for the North-South Centre’s support in this endeavor.
Furthermore, Ambassador Yorlay also emphasized Liberia’s shared values with the North-South Centre, including a commitment to youth empowerment, gender equality, social integration, and technology.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and urged enhanced global cooperation to eradicate poverty and address the growing threat of climate change, particularly its impact on vulnerable nations like Liberia.
“Liberia comes to this Centre with a strong perspective of being a state that has graduated from state failure to a peaceful and stable state contributing to regional and global peace,” the Ambassador noted.
In a pivotal announcement, Ambassador Yorlay confirmed Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and appealed to members of both the Global North and South for their support in the upcoming June 3, 2025, vote. “Liberia’s win will not only be a win for the Global South but a win for the entire globe,” he affirmed.
In closing, Ambassador Yorlay pledged Liberia’s full support to the North-South Centre’s mission of building a more harmonious and equitable world.
“Together, I am sure, we can work and make our world a very peaceful place that exudes positive energies through respect for the rule of law and human rights and promotion of sustainable development for all,” he concluded.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In- Chief
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