By Grace Q. Bryant
The Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), T. Dempster Brown, has underscored the importance of collaboration amongst National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) in West Africa to avert the current rapture of political instability in the Sub-Region such as coup d’état in West African States.
The INCHR boss observed that the illegal overthrow of constitutional powers by people who are disenchanted dissidents which ruling governments have led to the massive displacement of civilians’ population, especially women and children who witness and are victims of egregious human rights violations.
Brown said it was time that NHRIs in West Africa work together to promote human rights values in their respective governing systems that will strengthen trust and confident among the people of the sub-region. He emphasized that Africa can be a stronger and better place when its leaders are committed to strengthening human rights promotion and protection for its people.
In November 2022 was granted an affiliate status by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia.
The status now places the INCHR in the position to attend regular and extraordinary sessions of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) and provide the status report on human rights situation in Liberia, seek for an advisory opinion on any issue regarding the interpretation of the Africa Charter on Human and People and other human rights instruments.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights is an organ of the African Union established within the African chapter on Human and People’s Rights, the first human rights instruments in Africa.
Cllr. T. Dempster Brown made the statement recently at the regional consultation of National Human Rights Institutions of West Africa NINHRI-WA held in Banjul, the Gambia from June 7-9.
“We must consolidate and advocate for the return of constitutional order in the sub-region,” the INCHR boss asserted.
Meanwhile, the INCHR has been granted an affiliate status by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, the Gambia.
The status now places the INCHR in the position to attend regular and extraordinary sessions of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) and provide the status report on human rights situation in Liberia, seek for an advisory opinion on any issue regarding the interpretation of the Africa Charter on Human and People and other human rights instruments.
The Africa Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has the responsibility to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in Africa, and to receive complaints from individuals or groups whose rights have been violated by member States that are party to the Charter and as well make recommendation for reparations.
Liberia ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 1983, therefore decisions of the Commission are expected to be implemented by Liberia.
Chairman Brown commended the Board of Commissioners, the secretariat and especially the Executive Director of the INCHR, Atty. Urias Teh Pour who represented the INCHR during the session.
