By: H. Richard Fallah
WASHINGTON: Freedom House has awarded the 2023 Mark Palmer Prize to United States Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Michael McCarthy, for his commitment and leadership in transforming state institutions and promoting democratic values and principles.
The award was officially presented on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Freedom House’s annual awards dinner, held in Washington DC, United States of America (USA).
Presenting the award, the President of Freedom House, Michael J. Abramowitz, said they are thrilled to honor the US Ambassador with the Mark Palmer Prize.
He described Ambassador McCarthy`s dedication to promoting democracy and human rights and addressing corruption in Liberia and beyond, as critically important to advancing a more just and equitable world.
Mr. Abramowitz said Democracy and Human Rights will not advance without such vigorous support from individual diplomats.
Given in honor of the late US Ambassador, Freedom House Trustee, and Foreign Policy innovator, Mark Palmer, the Mark Palmer Prize recognizes diplomats and civil servants who have taken bold and creative steps, and long demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of democracy and freedom, and gone beyond their normal course of duties to promote democracy and human rights.
For her part, the trustee and chair of the Mark Palmer Prize Committee of Freedom House, Sushma Palmer, mentioned that the US Diplomat (Ambassador Michael McCarthy), through his continuous support and engagement with civil society, media, and traditional and religious communities, has helped enhance civic engagement in Liberia and provided a platform for key stakeholders to debate and address issues that directly affect them.
“We are proud to award Ambassador McCarthy with this year’s Mark Palmer prize,” she said.
Meanwhile, receiving the award, US Ambassador Michael McCarthy said that he is honored to accept such a prestigious award, noting how impactful Ambassador Palmer’s legacy has advanced diplomacy, democracy, and human rights for countless communities around the world.
“I believe rampant corruption is both an abuse of human rights and a threat to democracy,” he noted.
The US envoy maintained that fighting corruption is a foreign policy priority shared across the aisle and between the three branches of government.
Ambassador McCarthy: “I am honored to accept this prestigious award, but I do so, on behalf of the vast majority of Liberians who hold out for a future in which the scourge of corruption is defeated.”
The United States diplomat has however distinguished himself through his dedication to promoting a peaceful dialogue among diverse stakeholders in Liberia to advance a unified development agenda for the country after years of civil conflict.
His team put the full force of the U.S. Government behind a coalition of domestic and international groups: holding frequent meetings with the National Elections Commission, civil society organizations, the Press Union of Liberia, religious and traditional leaders, opposition parties, and the current government, that helped to ensure the security and legitimacy of Liberia’s 2021 bi-elections.
Furthermore, Ambassador McCarthy has consistently called out high-profile Liberian businesses and elites over corrupt practices, abuse of public trust, and human rights abuses, and has helped ensure the imposition of the Global Magnitsky sanctions on alleged corrupt Liberian leaders.
He also called for the terms of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report to be adhered to, specifically the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, and organized US ambassador for war crimes, Beth van Schaak’s visit to the country.
Ambassador McCarthy has served as the US Ambassador to Liberia since January 2021.
His earlier assignments include service as the Management Officer at the US Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany; the US Embassy in New Delhi, India; and the US Embassy in Asmara, Eritrea.
Previously, he served as Consul General of the US Consulate General in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He has also served as the Director of the Office of Retirement in the Bureau of Human Resources in the State Department and as the Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Juba, South Sudan.
The Mark Palmer Prize is made possible through the generosity of the Mark and Sushma Palmer Legacy Fund, established by Sushma Palmer in loving memory of her late husband Ambassador Mark Palmer.