26. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is another widespread practice in Liberia. The Commission is concerned that despite international pressure to criminalise this harmful practice, Liberia has not enacted a legislation criminalising FGM. 27. There are also reports of ritual killings, which take place for political or financial gain or in relation to ritualistic sacrifices, often referred to as “feeding a fetish”. Right to Life 28. The Commission welcomes the fact that Liberia is party to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, which prohibits the death penalty in Liberia. The Commission is concerned that Liberia violated its commitments under the Protocol by enacting the 2008 Armed Robbery Act, which prescribes the death penalty for a number of crimes. Prohibition of Torture and Ill-treatment 29. The Commission welcomes the adoption by Liberia of CAT and OPCAT, but is concerned about the delay in enacting the Draft Anti-Torture Bill submitted to the National Legislature in 2011. The Commission regrets the absence of information on concrete measures taken to combat torture and hold perpetrators accountable. No information was provided on the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), on complaints received, investigations undertaken, as well as data on prosecutions and convictions in cases of torture and ill-treatment perpetrated by law enforcement agents, prison personnel and other state officials. Human Trafficking 30. The Commission appreciates the passing of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in 2005, but is concerned about reports that the Ministerial Task Force responsible for implementing the Act is facing serious challenges. The Commission regrets the lack of information on prosecutions and convictions of perpetrators. Conditions of Detention 31. The Commission appreciates the candid information provided by the Liberian delegation regarding detention centres in the country, including short-comings such as over-crowding and the inadequacy of medical staff to look after prisoners, as well as the measures being taken by Liberia to address the problem. The Commission is however concerned with reports which indicate the unlawful establishment and operation of detention centres, as a result of the insufficiency of detention facilities. Further, many prisoners have been in extended pretrial detention, due to the slow pace of the judiciary to consider cases. Access to Justice 6