By Linus Flomo
The Independent National Commission in Human Rights(INCHR) boss, T. Dempster Browne, delivered a comprehensive statement in observance of International Human Rights Day, at Monrovia City Hall, focused on both the achievements and ongoing challenges in the protection and promotion of human rights in Liberia.
Cllr. Browne said the day is a vital reminder of the global commitment to ensuring dignity and human rights for all people, thereby highlighting the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscoring Liberia’s role in upholding these principles, with a particular focus on the work of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR).
“The INCHR continues to work diligently across Liberia, monitoring human rights issues, including civil, political, economic, and social rights,” said Browne.
He acknowledged the Liberian government’s support for the Commission, which is recognized as an “A” national human rights institution, and its commitment to safeguarding human rights without bias.
The Commission’s report for 2024 included both positive developments and alarming concerns.
On the positive side, Browne commended the government for its continued support to INCHR activities, such as the construction of a memorial and the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
These actions reflect President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to delivering justice for the victims of Liberia’s civil war. Additionally, the government has taken steps to address law enforcement excesses and hold perpetrators accountable.
However, the report also revealed troubling human rights violations across the country. Notably, Cllr. Browne pointed out instances of mysterious disappearances and deaths, such as the case of an eight-year-old boy in Lofa County who disappeared on June 8, 2024, only to be found dead hours later.
Another chilling case involved the death of a seven-year-old boy in Grand Kru County after he was reported missing, his body was discovered with disturbing signs of mutilation.
The Commission also raised concerns about state security brutality, citing the shooting death of a 19-year-old man in August 2024 by a senior police officer in Brewerville, who reportedly used his private weapon in the incident; the officer was later arraigned before the Monrovia City Court.
A particularly worrying issue is prolonged pretrial detention, with 26 individuals at Gbarnga Central Prison and a 29-year-old at Bopolu Central Prison languishing in detention for years without trial; these delays far exceed the statutory limits for detention.
Prison conditions across the country remain dire. INCHR monitors reported widespread outbreaks of diseases such as scabies and tuberculosis in prisons in Bassa, Bomi, and Nimba Counties.
The overcrowding of those facilities and lack of medical resources continue to put inmates at significant risk while another distressing issue highlighted was gender-based violence, with the Commission documenting 83 cases of rape, gang rape, and sodomy.
A shocking 80% of the victims were minors, aged 12 to 14, with many of the perpetrators being adult men, including some state actors.
Browne also referenced the case of Khalil, a Guinea national, whose forced deportation from Liberia was condemned by the Commission as a violation of international human rights obligations, particularly under the UN and AU Refugee Conventions.
He emphasized that returning individuals to countries where they face the risk of death is a grave breach of human rights principles.
The report also raised alarm over the growing violence against children, including those accused of witchcraft and subjected to cruel treatment, as well as rising cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) affecting minors.
Cllr. Browne has meanwhile, called on the government, civil society, and all Liberians to continue working together to protect and promote the rights of every citizen, particularly the most vulnerable.
“We must ensure our children, our women, and all people live in dignity and free from harm,” he urged.
The celebration of International Human Rights Day in Liberia was a reminder of both the progress made and the challenges that remain in securing a future where human rights are upheld for all.
