The Ambassador to France, Teeko T. Yorlay, met with Serguei Kouznetsov, Head of Division 1V of the Venice Commission at the Council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg, France.
The meeting discussed issues on human rights and legal reforms, which are key pillars of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s governance agenda.
According to a dispatch, Amb. Yorlay reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to legal reforms, rule of law and constitutional governance during the discussion.
The Commission, the Council of Europe’s leading constitutional advisory body, welcomed Amb. Yorlay and highlighted its role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law globally.
Established in 1991, the Venice Commission supports legal reforms worldwide.
Mr. Kouznetsov expressed the Commission’s pleasure in Liberia’s upcoming first participation in the executive meeting of the North-South Centre on Tuesday, May 21, 2025.
Among several issues on human rights and rule of law, constitutional reform, and its role in providing opinions to judges and legislatures, Kouznetsov said the Commission’s role is to advice on legal and constitutional issues working with Europe and the rest of the global community.
Amb. Yorlay then commended the Commission for its work and shed light on Liberia’s democratic progress.
He noted that despite a history of civil unrest and constitutional collapse, Liberia has held four successive democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power.
Yorlay cited the 2023 presidential elections, in which the incumbent, peacefully conceded defeat to Pres. Boakai, as a testament to the nation’s democratic credentials.
Amb. Yorlay informed Mr. Kouznetsov of Pres. Boakai’s government establishment of the war crimes court office in 202, through an Executive Order to address wartime atrocities and human rights abuses.
The young Liberian diplomate, meanwhile, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to legal reforms, the rule of law and constitutional governance.
He thanked the Commission for the fruitful engagement with his team.
Amb. Yorlay represented Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the 34th Executive Meeting of the North-South Centre on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He is accompanied by the Minister Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in Paris, Francis R. Grant.