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Secretary General, Civil Society Human Rights Platform, Adama K. Dempster
Ahead of Liberia’s human rights record review at the UN human rights Council- Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, the Civil Society human rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia has welcomed the international community’s advanced questions on human rights situation in Liberia. “We note that the questions speaks to direct human rights issues faced on the ground in Liberia. In the wake of November 2, 2020, the world human rights body review in Geneva, the Switzerland, the human rights community along with it international partners remain committed to following the process,” a statement from the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia noted.
Countries advancing questions include the United States of America, United Kingdom-UK- Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany and Sweden in the first batch.
The advanced questions highlighted that the government of the Republic of Liberia elaborate on current state and further development in response to recommendations from the National Economic Dialogue and civil society organizations, calling for accountability for war crimes and related economic crimes court, as defined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, committed during Liberia’s civil conflict; that the government of the Republic of Liberia provide measure taken to abolish the death penalty, in line with commitments to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; that the government of Liberia provide steps taken to timely, thoroughly, and transparently investigate the February 2020 death of broadcast journalist, Zenu Koboi Miller; ensure that adequate public resources are available to enable the implementation of human rights commitments, and take measures to address impunity for acts of corruption and ensure that independent judicial processes are followed.
“What measures are being taken to ensure citizens’ freedom to participate in political processes and to curb violence during the Senatorial elections in December, and for future elections?
“What is the Government of Liberia doing to prevent FGM/C? Noting that the 2018 executive order issued by former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to prohibit FGM/C of all persons younger than age 18 and of persons older than 18 without their consent, lapsed in 2019, and the government has not taken additional steps to pass legislation criminalizing the practice. Does the government intend to pass legislation criminalizing FGM/C?
“What steps is the Government of Liberia taking to amend its 2005 anti-trafficking law to remove the requirement of a demonstration of force, fraud, or coercion in child sex trafficking cases?
“What is the government of Liberia doing to reduce discrimination against, and increase accessibility for, persons with disabilities in the country’s social, economic, and educational systems?” the international community questioned.
In addressing these questions presented by the international community, the human rights community urged the Government of Liberia (GOL) to give true account on the prevailing human rights reality on the ground to enhance the promotion and protection for all.