The
African Charter on peoples’ and Human Rights
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Introduction
1.
Since the end of the crisis in Liberia in 2003, two multi‐party democratic elections have
been held. The Government of Liberia has started undertaking efforts to reconstruct
government infrastructures and their corresponding political institutions and enormous strides
have been made in that direction, as well as in the restoration of the rule of law. The economy
that was virtually collapsed is now being revitalized and basic and productive infrastructures
have been reestablished to the best extent practicable to secure food distribution to the most
vulnerable communities.
2.
In recognition of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Government of
Liberia is taking appropriate measures to meet the many challenges it faces towards
implementing the rights enshrined in the Charter.
1.1
Methodology and Consultation Process
3.
Liberia remains committed to promoting human rights and the respect for the rule of
law as a means of sustaining peace and stability, as well as the means of fulfilling her
international obligations, with the overall view of improving the general welfare of the Liberian
people. In order to address human rights issues in Liberia in a holistic manner, the Government
of Liberia formulated the Steering Committee of the National Human Rights Action Plan of
Liberia (SCNHRAP), which consist of line Ministries/Agencies and civil society groupings,
including the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Co‐ Chaired by the
Ministry of Justice and Foreign Affairs, which are responsible to coordinate amongst others, the
drafting of the National Human Rights Action Plan for Liberia. In several of its regular monthly
meetings, the issue of reporting to the Regional body was advanced by Representatives from
the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) and the idea to draft the
Nation’s first report to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) was
adopted in one of the meetings. Subsequently, The Human Rights Reporting sub‐committing
(HRRS‐c), Technical committees under the SCNHRAP, was task with leading the process of
drafting this report.
4.
In Accordance with the Guidelines of the ACHPR, which requires the active participation
of a wide range of civil society, series of national consultations were held in four regions
throughout the Country. These consultations brought together representatives from Traditional
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