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By Augustin Saah Mbayoh Jr
Monrovia –
Liberian human rights advocates on Tuesday commemorated the 27th International Day of Human Rights Defenders with renewed calls for better protection and a more open civic space for those working to uphold rights across the country.
The celebration, held under the global theme “Our Everyday Essentials,” featured a panel discussion exploring the increasing threats faced by defenders and how these challenges contribute to shrinking civic space. The event took place at the YMCA in Monrovia and brought together youth leaders, students, government officials, development partners, and prominent rights advocates.
UN Official Urges Government to Endorse Human Rights Defenders Policy
Delivering the keynote address, Christian Mukosa, Country Representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, praised defenders at home and abroad for their dedication to addressing injustices. He noted that many work in highly sensitive areas—such as FGM, the death penalty, and prison conditions—and often face serious risks.
Mukosa highlighted that OHCHR and the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders have developed a comprehensive Human Rights Defenders Policy, which is currently awaiting review by the Minister of Justice before being sent to Cabinet. He urged the government to endorse and eventually transform the policy into law to ensure stronger legal and financial protection for defenders nationwide. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting national partners in expanding civic space.
Defenders Share Lived Experiences of Threats
Rights advocate Adama Dempster shared a personal account of the dangers defenders encounter, revealing that he once stayed away from his home for four months due to threats. He said defenders are sometimes accused of misrepresenting government actions to international bodies, even when they are simply reporting human rights violations. Despite these challenges, he stressed the need for fearless and consistent reporting to hold institutions accountable.
Coalition Reiterates Support for War and Economic Crimes Court
Presenting the official statement of the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, Chairman Neidoteh B. Torbor reaffirmed the group’s strong backing for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. He called on the government to fully fund the office responsible for its implementation.
Torbor also pressed the government to lift unnecessary barriers to peaceful assembly, reminding authorities that under the New Police Act, citizens are required to notify—not seek permission from—the police before holding peaceful demonstrations.
Key Recommendations to the Government
The Coalition outlined several priorities for strengthening human rights protection:
• Domesticate the 2nd Optional Protocol of the ICCPR to abolish the death penalty and amend the Penal Code accordingly.
• Ratify the Protocol establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and allow individuals to submit cases directly.
• Approve the Human Rights Defenders Protection Policy to enhance safety and support.
• Establish a claims court to address human rights violations committed by the government.
• Comply with decisions of international human rights bodies, including rulings from the ECOWAS Court.
Background
Human rights defenders have shaped movements for justice and equality for centuries. The term gained formal global recognition in 1998 with the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the first UN instrument to acknowledge their role. Regionally, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights later adopted its own declaration recognizing the essential contributions of civil society organizations to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and the protection of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
