Report did not make reference to specific Charter provisions and relate them to the areas covered in the Report. 14. The Commission notes with concern that certain domestic legislation, including the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, are inconsistent with the provisions of the African Charter. Article 11 of the Liberian Constitution does not adequately guarantee the right to equality and the right against discrimination. Further, there is no constitutional provision incorporating the principle of equality between men and women. This is particularly concerning in view of the extensive violations suffered by women throughout the country's violent past, and because of genderbased violations that continue to occur. Although children were disproportionately exposed to massive human rights violations during the civil war, and continue to suffer violations, there is no constitutional provision which guarantees the rights of children. Article 27 of the Constitution also restricts the grant of citizenship “only to persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent.” 15. The Commission notes that the Revised Hinterland Rules and Regulations (the Rules) pose a challenge to the enforcement of the right to equality, contain derogatory terms such as uncivilised natives, and permit certain harmful traditional practices, including trial by ordeal, which is a form of customary justice system that in some cases has resulted in the infliction of injuries and death of the accused by the complainants. 16. The Commission commends the establishment of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) and its work, but is concerned that the Report does not state what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the LRC. It also does not indicate whether the Constitution is being considered for review. 17. The Commission notes that despite its inquiries during the interactive dialogue, the delegation of Liberia did not furnish the Commission with any information on reports that a Bill was before the House of Representatives seeking to amend the Penal Code so as to criminalise the promotion of homosexuality and imposing long sentences for consensual same-sex conduct. This amendment was reportedly written in terms so broad that it could be used to criminalise the activities of human rights defenders. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission 18. The Commission welcomes the final report of the Truth and Justice Commission (TRC) and its recommendations which were released in 2009. However, the Commission regrets the absence of information in the Report, regarding the nature of the recommendations and the measures taken by Liberia to implement the recommendations. Equality and Non-discrimination of women 4

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