F.
Scope of International and Regional Obligations
28.
Liberia has signed or ratified/acceded to numerous regional and international human
rights instruments as well as a number of International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions. A
list of these treaties and conventions is available at the end of the report.
29.
Despite a history of human rights violations and a crippling civil conflict, Liberia has
taken some commendable measures to uphold the principles of the Charter of the United
Nation and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as, the African Charter for
Human and People’s Rights. For example, Liberia is currently engaged in researching and
compiling all regional and international human rights instruments to which the country is a
party with a view of revising the country’s statutory laws to better comply with regional and
international obligations.
30.
Further, in keeping with the recommendations of the World Conference on Human
Rights held in Vienna in 1993, the country has set up a Steering Committee to develop and
adopt a national human rights action plan for Liberia. The Steering Committee, consisting of
Ministries, governmental agencies, the Legislature, and civil society organizations, currently is
actively engaged in projects that will help develop a systematic strategy and concrete plans for
advancing human rights in Liberia.
3.
Human Rights Situation on the Ground and Responses to Human
Rights Situation on the Ground: Achievements & Best Practices
3.1
Civil and Political Rights
31.
Articles 1, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20 and 21 of the Constitution guarantee, respectively, the right
of citizens to choose their leaders; every individual’s right to liberty and security of the person;
right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; right to freedom of expression,
association and assembly; and right to due process of law, including the right of the accused
and detainees.
32.
Since the democratic election of 2005, Liberia has taken a number of measures to
protect and promote the following civil and political rights of all individuals in the country and
restore public confidence in the country’s dedication to human rights.
A.
Right of Citizens to Elect their Leader
33.
In order to secure the right of citizens to elect their leaders, the National Election
Commission (NEC) was established by the Constitution of Liberia Chapter X; Article 89. In the
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