Over 10 Civil Society Organizations operating in Liberia, especially in the human rights area, say they are deeply concerned over the increasing wave of human rights abuses and violations occurring on a daily basis in Liberia, allegedly perpetrated by paramilitary groups under the banner of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) or Council of Patriots.
According to a release, over the weekend, the group in a joint statement noted that, this action is posing a greater security threat amongst citizens, pro-democracy groups and human rights defenders.
The group includes Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, Liberian Women Humanitarian Network, Women Human Rights Defenders Network of Liberia, the Peace and Security Network of Women in West Africa, West Africa Network for Peace-Liberal, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, Independent Human Rights Investigators and Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia
The group in a release reminds the Government of Liberia as a state party to regional and international human rights instruments, to ensure the full protection of all fundamental rights of people living in Liberia.
According to the release, the attack on the personal integrity, security, and dignity of the protesters on July 26, 2022, in the City of Monrovia is worrisome and undermines the security of the state.
"We remind the government about its obligation under Chapter 3, Article 17 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution which provides that: all persons at all times, in an orderly and peaceful manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives, to petition the government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances: the release said.
The release noted that, Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
(ICCPR) provides that: (the right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized, no restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right
Furthermore, Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights states that: (every individual have the right to assemble freely with others... ), all democracies strive to respect and protect the human rights of citizens.
Human rights mean those values that reflect respect for human life and human dignity.
Democracy the release said, emphasizes the value of every human being. Examples of human rights include freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the right to equality and the right to education.
The CSOs and human rights community demand urgent action be taken to arrest, investigate and prosecute these illegal groups to avoid anything that would undermine the peace and security of the state especially going toward the 2023 general presidential elections in Liberia.
Additionally, the posture and behavior of these self-style militant groups sponsored by political parties and politicians threaten national security, and undermine the rule of law and gains made to sustain the democratic gains made so far.
The CSOs and the human rights community also observed the attitudes of some national security officers, especially the Liberia National Police (LNP) while these human rights violations continue in the country.
The human rights defenders groups called on the Government of Liberia through the leadership of President George M. Weah to protect all residents of Liberia, ensure respect for the rule of law and speak against the lawlessness and unexplained killings/deaths ongoing in the country over the past years.
The defenders expressed disappointment in the Ministry of Justice and the security sectors for the unprofessional matters in dealing with lawlessness in society and called for urgent action to enhance national security for all.
The human rights defenders called on the international partners and diplomatic missions in Liberia to ensure that the government adheres to international and national standards to human rights protection, peace and security as these are fundamental rights that need to be protected and guaranteed for all Liberians irrespective of political affiliations, wealth, gender and colors.
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"This action moving into the elections will increase fear for citizens, especially women who are interested in contesting for political offices as there is fear in the country for the level of
unexplained killings/deaths and violence in the society" the release noted.
The release noted that the act of mob violence is unacceptable; we, therefore, call on the regional and international community, along with civil society and concerned citizens to engage and follow up with the Government of Liberia to act in the interest of peace and justice for all.
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