Gov’t Honors U.S. Adviser Behind Key Prison Reforms, Human Rights | News

The Government of Liberia has honored outgoing United States Embassy Senior Police Adviser Stephen H. Kissik for his contributions to prison reform, human rights, institutional development and the professionalization of Liberia’s correctional system.

Kissik, who served with the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), was recognized for his work with Liberia’s justice and security institutions, particularly the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Justice.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Oswald N. Tweh, who also chairs the Joint Security, praised Kissik during farewell remarks in Monrovia, describing him as a “trusted partner, a dedicated professional, and a true friend of Liberia.”

Tweh said Kissik’s assignment went beyond providing technical advice, as he helped strengthen institutions and promote a correctional system that respects human dignity while maintaining public safety.

“Mr. Kissik, throughout your assignment as Senior Police Advisor with International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the United States Embassy in Monrovia, you served not merely as an advisor, but as a bridge between institutions and people,” Tweh said.

The Justice Minister highlighted Kissik’s support for improving Liberia’s correctional system, particularly efforts to ensure that the welfare and rights of incarcerated persons remain central to prison management.

“You understood that a correctional system is not defined only by its walls, its gates, or its security arrangements,” Tweh said. “It is defined by how it treats human beings, how it protects dignity, how it encourages rehabilitation, and how it prepares individuals to return to society as responsible citizens.”

He said Kissik demonstrated that security and human rights should be treated as complementary rather than competing priorities.

“You showed us that security and human rights are not opposing principles. Rather, they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a just and peaceful society,” Tweh stated.

Tweh also credited Kissik with helping strengthen the professional capacity of correctional personnel through recommendations for international mid-level and senior management training for prison officials.

Another major contribution, he said, was Kissik’s support for establishing the National Prison Database through the American Bar Association.

The database, according to Tweh, will provide more reliable information for prison management, decision-making and coordination across the justice sector.

“This was more than a technological or administrative intervention,” Tweh said. “It was an investment in reliable information, sound decision-making, institutional accountability, and the effective administration of justice.”

Kissik also advocated for improving basic conditions in correctional facilities. Tweh highlighted his recommendations for funding connections of the Robertsport, Sanniquellie and Voinjama Central Prisons to the national water grid.

“Access to clean and reliable water is a basic human necessity, and your advocacy helped transform that necessity into a practical reality for vulnerable prison populations,” Tweh said.

The Minister said Kissik’s legacy would extend beyond his assignment through trained personnel, strengthened systems and improved conditions for prisoners.

“Your true legacy will live in the officers and managers you mentored; in the systems you helped strengthen; in the prisoners whose welfare was improved; in the institutions that are now better equipped to serve the public,” Tweh said.

The Government, through the Ministry of Justice and Joint Security, presented Kissik with a Certificate of Recognition for his service.

Tweh said the award represented Liberia’s gratitude for his contributions.

“Our greatest recognition is found in the enduring improvements your service has helped bring about,” he said.

As Kissik prepares to leave Liberia, Tweh said his relationships and contributions would remain part of the country’s justice and security institutions.

“You came to serve, but you leave behind friendships, respect, and a legacy of positive change,” Tweh said.

“Your assignment may be ending, but your impact continues. Your journey may be taking you elsewhere, but your legacy remains with us.”

The farewell ceremony brought together representatives of the U.S. Embassy, Joint Security, Ministry of Justice and other justice and security-sector partners to recognize Kissik’s service to Liberia.