32. The Commission notes Liberia's account in the Report of the devastating impact of the civil war on the judicial system, and commends Liberia for the steps it has taken towards legal reform and to ensure access to justice. The Commission is concerned about reports of a weak and dysfunctional judiciary, which continually postpones cases and conducts trials in violation of fair trial standards. Reports further indicate that amongst the numerous challenges faced by Liberia is insufficient funding, lack of infrastructure, basic equipment and legal references, poor administration and case-load management, corruption and the need for law reform. Juvenile Justice System 33. The Commission regrets the absence of any information regarding the juvenile justice system in Liberia. Credible sources report that because of the absence of an effective juvenile justice system, implementation of laws and procedures relating to child offenders and children in need of care and protection is poor, and there are no reformatory or rehabilitation facilities. Mob Violence 34. The Commission welcomes the measures indicated in the Report to tackle mob violence and to restore public confidence in law enforcement. However, reports aver that mob violence, often referred to as “mob justice” continues to take place, at times resulting in the death of those accused. Freedom of Expression and Access to Information 35. The Commission is concerned about the crackdown on journalists and newspaper editors by the Government, particularly journalists who have exposed high-level corruption of Government officials. Orders by Liberian courts requesting journalists/editors to pay up to USD1.5 million for defamation as compensation to government officials clearly hinders the development of a vibrant media. Freedom of Assembly 36. The Commission is concerned about information in the Report that in order for Liberians to hold public demonstrations, the Ministry of Justice must provide clearance. Asylum-Seekers and Refugees 37. The Commission commends the work done by Liberia, through the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission, in assisting the high number of refugees from Ivory Coast, and its successful collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other partners in protecting refugees and supporting voluntary repatriation. Although Liberia is generally fulfilling its 7