The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on Wednesday released its bi-annual report with concerns over the weakness in the criminal Justice System due to the absence of key personnel, and inadequate resources for essential rule of law institutions, including the Judiciary, the Liberia National Police and the Corrections services.

The Deputy Special representative of the special secretary-General, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu told journalists that the report covers human rights issues monitored by the Mission Human Rights and protection Section. Highlighted in the report are prevailing human rights concerns in the country, including measures being instituted to address them, and that these concerns also include challenges being faced in the criminal justice system and delay in making operational the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, and the prevalence of rape and other violence incidents.

The bi-annual report, covering the period from November 2007 to June 2008, recognizes that steps have been taken to address human concerns, such as the building or refurbishment of detention facilities, establishment of a judicial institute to train judicial officers and the introduction of programs aimed at combating rape and sexual violence.

Despite these improvements, the UN Mission says it remains concern over the application of the death penalty, as the Penal law that permits the death penalty has not been formally repealed. The report further notes that the application of the death penalty has received support from the government of Liberia with regard to armed robbery, terrorism and hijacking.

The report is calling on the Executive Branch of Government to appoint the National Commission on Human Rights Commissioners. Unlike previous reports, this new report says incidents of rape and gender-based violence remain prevalent, especially cases involving minors, both as victims and as alleged perpetrators.

The report that was shared with concern government of Liberia functionaries has drawn up recommendations to assist the Liberian government, and various stakeholders, address the problems identified. The report recommended that the Liberian Government ensure that judicial officials, defense counsel and prosecutors assigned to courts outside Monrovia are to remain in their assigned areas, and disciplinary measures be taken against personnel who absent themselves from their assigned duty.

The report also suggested the reactivation of the Administrative Board responsible for ensuring the closure of those orphanages that do not meet minimum standards for operating child welfare institution, and initiating a nationwide awareness campaign against harmful traditional practices.