Monrovia – The Independent National Human Rights Commission (INCHR) issued an alarm in 2024 about a significant increase in human rights abuses across Liberia, showing a troubling increase compared to the past.
INCHR Chairman CLLR attended a press conference in Monrovia on Wednesday. Dempster Brown has released the committee’s annual Human Rights Status Report. Based on data collected by field officers in all 15 counties, the report details a surge in abuse despite ongoing government efforts to strengthen the judicial system and promote free expression.
cllr. Brown highlighted a range of escalating violations, including national security atrocities, long-term pretrial detention, rape and gender-based violence, and the persistent failure of law rules to promote justice. He noted that these issues further restrict access to justice for many Liberians.
Additional concerns raised in the report include ritual killings, mob violence, child labour and the lack of the judicial department’s ability to properly respond to litigation. The INCHR expressed disappointment at the government’s inability to implement effective measures to combat these violations.
Deteriorating human rights under the Boaches’ regime
According to Cllr. Brown, Liberia’s human rights landscape has deteriorated under the administration of President Joseph Boachey compared to the tenures of former presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleef and George Weir. He called on the government to take urgent action to reverse the declining trend.
Police brutality under investigation
INCHR also condemned the Liberian National Police (LNP) of increased atrocities and lack of accountability under Inspector Gregory Coleman’s leadership. cllr. Brown pointed to numerous reports of excessive power over civilians, further eroding public confidence in security equipment.
He made it clear that Inspector Coleman is engaged in dialogue and consistently ignored invitations from the committee to address growing concerns. INCHR calls for a comprehensive training programme for LNP executives to strengthen professionalism and ensure compliance with human rights standards.
