As the world observes International Human Rights Day on December 10 of each year, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights(INCHR) says the promotion and protection of human rights stand as a prime responsibility for humanity everywhere.Each year the INCHR joins national and international partners to commemorate International Human Rights Day on December 10. The United Nation General Assembly proclaimed International Human Rights Day in 1950 to project human rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations.
This year’s observance is under the international theme: “Recover Better, Stand for Human Rights.” Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the INCHR will observe the day without a formal program. Meanwhile, amidst the glaring national economic challenges, INCHR has lauded the Government of Liberia for the prioritization of the fight against the COVID-19. However, the Rights Commission calls on the Government to now pursue a strategic plan that seeks the empowerment of medical actors to transition from fight against COVID-19 to a recovery plan for sufferers of the COVD-19 disease.
In another development, the INCHR commends and joins the President and other international partners for the condemnation against the reported electoral related violence in Grand Cape Mount County. The INCHR, in addition to the condemnation, calls on the Ministry of Justice to step beyond the line of mere condemnation and conduct a timely investigation of the incident and where there is established to be culpability, those responsible be prosecuted to ensure deterrence.
In a related political development, INCHR commends the people of Liberia for freely expressing their civil and political rights void of intimidation and violence and that the result of the election will reflect the quality of the expressed will of the voters. The INCHR further calls on all candidates, parties and their supporters to remain calm as results are being processed.
INCHR encourages all would be aggrieved parties to pursue judicial remedy where there seems to be electoral related disputes.