address the health needs of inmates. Finally the Prison Reform Act, which seeks to grant the
Bureau of Corrections autonomy, has been forwarded to National legislature for passage.
E.
Freedoms of Expression, Assembly and Association
48.
Since 2006, various printing press, public and private media, political parties and civil
society organizations have been established and operate without hindrance. The protection
and promotion of freedoms of expression, assembly and association have served as an
instrument of accountability and has created channels for citizens to report and express their
opinions and interact with the government and other stakeholders.
49.
While Liberia is committed to protecting and promoting freedoms of expression,
assembly and association, given the current stability level of the State, the country has put in
place certain restrictions, particularly when an activity might cause public unrest. For example,
in order to ensure that law and order are maintained and the normal order of business of the
public is not disrupted, a legislative enactment mandates the issuance by the Ministry of
Justice, a clearance, which approval is not unreasonably withheld, before groups can hold
public demonstrations.
3.2
Economic Social and Cultural Rights
50.
The extended civil conflict in Liberia greatly impacted the country’s economy. Despite
the abundance of natural resources, the socio‐economic status of the average citizen in the
country remained poor. During the conflict, basic infrastructures, including about 70% of
schools, were destroyed with majority of the country having limited or no access to electricity
and piped borne water, but the current government, with the help from the international
development partners, is making strides at restoring the basic social services to its citizens and
improving the education system.
51.
As a result of the conflict, Liberia has experienced significant internal migration from
rural to urban areas. This internal migration of communities, often lacking in basic levels of
literacy and marketable skills, has created a loss of productive labor on farms in rural
communities, undermined rural agricultural production and income generation, and has led a
large segment of society to engage in informal and other micro‐income generating activities for
economic survival.
52.
Liberia is committed to revitalizing the economy and providing an environment�� for
speedy economic growth and social progress. Accordingly, Liberia has taken the following
initiatives in the areas of agriculture, job creation, and education.
A.
Right to Work
53.
In an effort to reduce the staggering number of unemployment, in 2006 Liberia
launched the Liberia Emergency Employment Program (LEEP) and the Liberia Employment
Action Program (LEAP). These programs, which are decentralized in 9 of the 15 counties of the
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