Liberia Human Rights Report - October 2004 (3)

UNMIL Human Rights and Protection Section
Monthly Report
October 2004

1. Executive Summary

• Widespread civil unrest in Monrovia and other parts of Liberia result in sixteen reported deaths to date, rape, arson, religious attacks and looting.

• LURD ex-combatants control Guthrie Rubber Plantation, committing gross human rights abuses and acting outside the authority of the NTGL.

• Continued security concerns for the return of IDPs and refugees in a number of counties already declared safe.

• Current Truth and Reconciliation Commission members stall passage of the draft Act due to their refusal to submit to a fresh selection procedure as included in that instrument.

• Some gains in juvenile justice following HRPS intervention but the judiciary continue to disregard the rights of juvenile suspects.

2. Political and Economic Developments and Trends

Widespread civil unrest in Monrovia; killings, rape, arson and looting

A large number of violent demonstrations took place in Monrovia this month, culminating in widespread violence which began on 28 October and, which, at the time of reporting, is yet to be fully brought under control. The exact origins of the violence are not clear. Although the immediate trigger appears to have been a property dispute between members of the Mandingoe tribe and the Christian majority, the generalised nature of the violence doubtless owes much to the atmosphere of tension and anticipation built by almost daily demonstrations and the LURD factional battles over the past month.

A full report of the incident is not available at this time; as of the morning of 1 November, the total number of deaths reported stood at 16, while 48 people had been recorded as seriously injured and 161 suffering minor injuries. The religious and ethnic dimension is particularly troubling, especially in light of threats of renewed conflict in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, which has also experienced a political manipulation of religious differences over the past 18 months. Although Liberia is a largely Christian nation, Mandingoe Muslims have lived here for centuries with little friction with the majority. Protagonists of the civil war exploited ethnic and religious differences for political advantage. Since the formal cessation of hostilities in August 2003, it is reported that large numbers of Mandingoes from Guinea have entered Liberia, claiming to be Liberians in order to benefit from the DDRR process. These reports have also increased distrust of Mandingoes by the Christian majority. A mosque was set alight on Friday 29 October, and several churches were attacked later that day, apparently in retaliation. On Sunday 31 October, several churches were attacked.

An immediate city-wide curfew was called by Chairman Bryant on the morning of 29 October, revised the following day to a 1600 – 0700 curfew. UNMIL CIVPOL Formed Police Units (FPUs), Quick Response Forces and Sector One peacekeeping troops have been enforcing the curfew and working to restore order. However, fighting broke out again in several areas of the city on 31 October.

Outside Monrovia, a church was burned on 29 October and approximately 8,000 people demonstrated in Kakata, Montserrado County. There were additional reports of threats against the community and a mosque in Buchanan.

During the previous few weeks, demonstrations had been held on an almost daily basis by a range of groups, some with genuine grievances against the Government, such as civil servants protesting against non-payment of salaries, while other groups seem to be making use of an opportunity to promote private interests. A number of protests appear to have been infiltrated by provocateurs related to the LURD factional dispute and the determination of some figures to destabilise the nation and thus the position of the Chairman and the peace process itself.

Violent riots erupted on 10 October, following the three- nil loss of the Liberian national football team to Senegal. The swiftness with which the rioting developed, with thousands of people taking to the streets throwing rocks, and besieging the house of the team coach and an adjacent hotel for several hours, indicate that the riots were likely planned in advance. On 12 October, approximately 150 Special Operations Department personnel demonstrated against their exclusion from the DDRR process; SOD was one of a number of paramilitary units used to support the former regime. It appears that members were not able to disarm because they had already surrendered their weapons to LNP. On 20 October, a demonstration was organised by the owners of a school which has been closed down following a dispute with the landlord. The issue has been widely misreported in the press as being an eviction committed by UNMIL troops on the orders of Chairman Bryant, whose residence is next door to the school. HRO observed that small children dressed in school uniform were made to stand in a circle holding hands as a human shield between the protestors and police.

In light of the political backdrop to the riots, it is particularly important that police and military action in response is proportionate and calm. In general, UNMIL’s response to the demonstrations before 28 October was measured but LNP officers had been observed using excessive force against peaceful protestors. However, HROs witnessed excessive force by peacekeepers against civilians breaching the curfew called on 29 October.

More than 100 people have been arrested in connection with the violence since 29 October. HRPS is currently undertaking an assessment of detention conditions. On the evening of 31 October, 11 detainees escaped from Monrovia Central Prison, while two others were shot and wounded.

Disarmament process ends on 31 October

The demobilisation and disarmament phase ended on 31 October. It is possible that those ex-combatants who were unable to participate in the process may react negatively to the closure. Threats from such ex-combatants were received in Sector Four in the last days of the programme. From 1 November, any person found in possession of a lethal weapon will be subject to Liberian laws and placed under arrest. The over-burdened court and detention systems do not have the capacity to deal with a large number of new criminal cases, and human rights violations are expected.

Delays in passage of electoral reform legislation

It was reported that the NTLA Speaker, George Dweh, is trying to delay passage of the electoral reform law to serve political ends. Delays in adoption of the law reduce the period of time in which voter and civic education can take place before the elections, which are fixed for October 2005. This reduces the likelihood that the elections will be conducted fairly and that voters will be aware of their rights.

Faction leader returns to Liberia

The former leader of faction Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) returned to Liberia from Nigeria at the end of September. Prince Johnson, who now styles himself as an evangelist, and has declared his intention to run for a senate seat in Nimba County, called on all Liberians to discard tribalism and war and work together for peace. The invasion by Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) on 24 December 1989, of which Johnson was then a member, was supported by the Gio and Mano people. The Krahns and Mandingoes in Nimba County were targeted by the NPFL. Johnson conducted a number of speaking engagements in October aiming to present himself as a man of reconciliation and peace, while avoiding acknowledging his own responsibility as a factional leader.

INCHR Chair calls for human rights court

On 8 October, the Chairman of the Independent Human Rights Commission (INCHR), Attorney Dempster Brown, called for the establishment of a special court at the Temple of Justice to prosecute cases arising out of allegations of corruption, human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.

Nigerian Ambassador calls for policy of “no victor, no vanquished”

On 12 October, the Nigerian Ambassador, Eineje E. Onobu, called on Liberia to adopt an approach of “no victor, no vanquished” to find lasting peace. Nigeria was one of the principal sponsors of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which calls on all parties to consider a general amnesty, and offered a safe haven to ex-President Taylor to secure his departure from Liberia in August 2003.

First anniversary of the establishment of NTGL

14 October marked one year since the National Transitional Government of Liberia was established; the balance of media comment was negative. While noting the improved security due to UNMIL’s presence, editorials commented that the public is losing faith in the NTGL following mismanagement of public funds and lack of transparency and accountability. NTGL was also criticised for failing to improve living conditions, particularly electricity and piped water services, and failing to pay the salaries of civil servants.

Between 18 and 20 October, civil society groups held a workshop to review NTGL’s compliance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The Minister for Justice spoke at length on a number of matters, including anti-corruption efforts and the need for continued security sector reform. As an achievement of the past 12 months, the Minister mentioned the decrease in police brutalisation. The Minister indicated that criminal laws on rape and defamation in the media will be reviewed. In their address to the workshop, NTLA representatives cited the ratification of various human rights conventions as an important achievement of the past 12 months and identified the lack of resources as the greatest challenge. Civil society raised concerns regarding the disarmament process; arguing that it has not been successful to date because it has not reached many parts of the country and a large number of weapons have not been handed over. Corruption and lack of transparency were also identified as serious concerns that are yet to be adequately addressed.

Division over appointment of Grand Cape Mount County Superintendent

Controversy continued this month in Grand Cape Mount County over the appointment of the County Superintendent, reflecting the potential for security concerns in this county, which lacks LNP deployment. This issue has been extremely divisive, as many residents would prefer that the incumbent continue in his position, whilst the NTGL Chairman insists that his appointee fill the position.


3. Human Rights Situation, Developments and Concerns

LURD fighters control Guthrie Rubber Plantation in violation of CPA

On 25 October, Acting Chief of HRPS and HROs, together with the UNMIL Gender Advisor, visited the Guthrie Rubber Plantation in Sector Two, Bomi County to further investigate conditions ahead of the planned return of IDPs to the county, scheduled to begin on 15 November. Information obtained during the visit indicates clearly that LURD fighters control the Guthrie plantation with impunity and total disregard for the national administration and the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Between 200 and 300 LURD fighters completely control the inhabitants and have assumed police and judicial powers. Living conditions inside the plantation are very poor. Although it is estimated that between 34,000 and 40,000 people are living in the plantation, there are no State-supported social services such as police, clean water, education or medical treatment.

Although some LURD fighters may have passed through the disarmament process, it is likely that arms are still available in the plantation, and one interviewee specifically requested to take part in disarmament. The control of the much larger population by a relatively small group of fighters indicates that there are weapons present. In any event, serious assaults and murders have been committed in the plantation by LURD fighters. Aside from these offences, according to interviewees, the LURD fighters are engaging in labour exploitation, narcotics trafficking and illegal rubber sales, which generate a large and unregulated profit for the faction. HRPS is extremely concerned for the safety of the inhabitants and for any IDPs who may return to the area during the organised returns process.

No judicial system operating in Sector Four

No LNP, prosecution or judicial personnel have yet been deployed to any of the five counties in Sector Four, preventing criminal cases from being handled in accordance with the law, encouraging vigilantism and violating the rights of both suspects and victims. As has been previously reported, in both Harper and Zwedru towns, former rebel combatants have established themselves as “volunteer police” and currently carry out some police functions. Regardless of the good intentions of some of these volunteers, they are no substitute for a legitimate and accountable police force. The fact that the volunteers are former rebels may confuse the population about the restructured LNP and the rule of law in Liberia. Meanwhile, the absence of any judicial personnel entails that when serious crimes are committed, there is no capacity to lawfully order the detention of the suspect, where warranted, thus the suspect is released and may threaten the victim.

In addition, several incidents of vigilantism were reported in Monrovia this month, as mob-justice takes hold in the absence of a well-functioning LNP and the impractical limits upon CIVPOL powers that prevent them from investigating offences on their own initiative.

Private security firms

The lack of accountability for private security firms was highlighted this month in several incidents involving the Plant Protection Department (PPD) which provides security for the Liberian Agriculture Company (LAC) plantation. HROs received allegations of excessive use of force against a 15 year old suspect, apparently on the orders of a LAC official. HROs also observed that the PPD failed to prepare custody reports in all cases and the custody record was not available for view. It should be noted that these deficiencies in following simple procedure are also observed in many police stations across Liberia. On 27 October, HROs facilitated the release from unlawful detention at the Buchanan Magistrates Court of a man who had been arrested by PPD and held by them for five days before being transferred to the court cells and held there without lawful order for three days.

Sexual assault against children

Several cases of sexual assault against children were reported this month. The prosecution of a case of alleged rape against a 13 year old girl in July was delayed by procedural formalities to transfer the case to the Circuit Court, which has a jurisdiction to try such cases. These formalities were only resolved this month; procedures must be streamlined to allow swift transfer of cases to the appropriate court.

Very poor detention conditions

Very poor conditions such as inadequate food and water and unhygienic cells were observed in police stations and detention centres across Liberia. Although improvements have now been completed by a private donor (LAC) at the Upper Buchanan Prison, other facilities that rely on State funding for rehabilitation have not improved at all, despite HROs’ intervention and advice. LNP officers in sector one expressed a wish to improve conditions but cited lack of resources as an obstacle.

On 15 October, a staff member of Gbarnga Central prison was assaulted by a prisoner. Prior to this incident, prison security had been raised as a serious concern, as there is no permanent police guard at the prison. The absence of appropriate security measures at detention facilities in Liberia leads to the risk that guards will feel themselves in danger and will then attempt to intimidate the detainees through violence and other rights abuses.

Lengthy or inappropriate pre-trial detention

In each sector, people were regularly found to be held in unlawful pre-trial detention and were released only following HRPS intervention. On 7 October, HROs found that 14 people had been detained at Carter High Prison, Sector One, for more than 12 days following their arrest and had not yet been taken before the Magistrates Court, in violation of the constitutional guarantee that each person must be brought before court within 48 hours of arrest. On 8 October, HROs visited Monrovia Central Prison and discovered that of the 248 people held there only two had been convicted, according to the prison records. The backlog in the number of criminal cases to be processed by the courts remained steady through the month and must be addressed by the national authorities as a matter of urgency.

Further, it appears that members of the judiciary are not aware that the order of pre-trial detention is discretionary. On 15 October, two elderly men were found in pre-trial detention at Carter High Prison on charges of theft. The two men were in very poor physical condition corresponding to their advanced age. HROs asked the Judge to review the pre-trial detention order.

Non-payment of salaries to LNP officers encourages corruption

LNP officers across Liberia have not been paid their salaries since August. Upon HROs’ inquiries as to how the officers survive with no income, most officers were unable to answer, suggesting that corruption and abuse of power to extort money from civilians is occurring. The non-payment of police salaries encouraged the rise of corruption during the Taylor regime, contributing to the collapse of public confidence in the police force. It is essential that the NTGL take immediate steps to pay the full police salaries and arrears.

Courts and judiciary

The court system continued to operate in a very inefficient manner this month. As a result, access to justice for both suspects and victims was extremely limited. This situation must be addressed by the Chief Justice as soon as possible. Resource and personnel limitations are a real burden, yet much improvement could be made simply by taking care to review detention, check the age of young suspects and exercise the appropriate jurisdiction of each court. Failure to meet these simple standards encourages the culture of impunity and reduces public confidence in the judiciary. Police operations are also severely hampered by the judicial inertia.

On 11 October, the Supreme Court opened the October Term for 2004. The Chief Justice commented that there is an urgent need for training of judges and judicial staff, to be undertaken in collaboration with partners such as UNMIL.

Habeas corpus

On 13 October, the Grand Bassa County Circuit Court Judge issued a ruling in the habeas corpus application of a man detained by the LAC Magistrate. The court found that the man had been illegally detained for 53 days. The hearing in this matter was first listed for 10 September and the LAC Magistrate avoided attending a hearing called for 15 September. The reason for the Circuit Court Judge’s delay in issuing the decision is not clear. The writ of habeas corpus is guaranteed by Article 21 (g) of the Constitution, although no time limit is attached to the issuance of a decision.

Juvenile justice

Early in the month, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court issued a directive to those members of the judiciary who had been unlawfully hearing cases involving juveniles, reminding them of the need to refer cases involving juvenile suspects to the Monrovia Juvenile Judge. Although a very positive step, the Chief Justice will need to deal appropriately with those judges who fail to heed the directive and correctly implement Liberia’s law on juvenile defendants; failure to do so could encourage further violations by judges. Unfortunately, several juveniles were unlawfully detained this month in spite of the Chief Justice’s directive.

Under the juvenile justice code, persons between the ages of 8 and 17 years charged of crimes fall almost exclusively within the original jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. Yet a number of instances have been noted of this procedure being ignored by city magistrates and circuit courts in Montserrado County. It is apparently extremely rare for juveniles to be appointed counsel either by magistrates or the Juvenile Judge of Montserrado County as the authorization for such an appointment is subject to a complex approval process. This issue highlights the need for the establishment of a legal aid centre, as has been previously advocated by the UNMIL Legal and Judicial System Support Division. Further training on the JCPC and international standards is also clearly needed.

One reason for the continuing difficulties in referring cases to the Juvenile Court is the failure of magistrates to confirm the ages of suspects in all cases and their reliance on inaccurate police charge sheets. Many people in Liberia lack any form of photo identification stating their date of birth, thus it is easy to be mistaken or misled on the exact age of adolescents. Police and courts are thus not always aware that they are unlawfully assuming jurisdiction over children. Inaccurate charge sheets also prevent age-verification at the prison, leading to abuse of the practice of segregating child detainees from adults. Reportedly, adults have been misstating their age in an effort to be placed within the juvenile cells in the hope of getting better treatment. This places child detainees at risk.

IDPs

IDP returns to a number of counties are due to commence in early November, however the precarious security situation raises grave concerns for the safety of returnees. Civil society groups have discussed the situation in the Human Rights Protection Forum meetings, but there appears to be little communication on this issue with the NTGL and its assessment committee. This month, the National Security Assessment Committee for Resettlement announced that Bong and River Cess Counties, Sector Three, had met the minimum requirements for organized returns, bringing to six the total number of counties declared safe.

The lack of housing or building materials for returnees was mentioned as a particular concern at the emergency meeting of humanitarian organizations for Bomi County, held on 5 October. It is estimated that 69,000 returnees will return to the county. The County Superintendent complained that there had not been enough consultation between the Liberian government and local leaders on the planned returns.

At the IDP committee meeting on 21 October, it was reported that the Bong and Lofa camps are overcrowded and cannot receive any more IDPs. Meanwhile, approximately 12,000 people are living in a spontaneous camp in Margibi County and do not have access to basic needs such as food.

Children Associated with the Fighting Forces

HRPS received information that a foreign CAFF, located in Lofa County, Sector Two, was forcibly reunited with his former commander to work as that man’s domestic servant. HRPS requested that ICRC to conduct cross-border child tracing to locate the child, as CAFF should not be returned to the custody of their commanders. In Gbarnga, Sector Three, repatriation of foreign CAFF is taking place too slowly, and may result in permanent settlement of the children in Bong County if not finalised quickly.

Several cases were noted of CAFF or adolescent ex-combatants being persecuted by their former commanders for failing to hand over part or all of their TSA payments. On 15 October, HROs discovered an 18 year old male ex-combatant being held in pre-trial detention at the Carter High Prison on the charge of “defrauding secured creditors” after he had refused to hand over his TSA payment to the commander. HROs were informed that a GOL commander in Zwedru, Sector Four, was observed trying to extract commission from CAFF. Also on 14 October, HRO inquired into a report that a CAFF had been beaten by his former commander because the child refused to hand over part of his TSA payment.

The Interim Care Centre (ICC) for CAFF in Harper had no drinking water facilities within the compound and the children are required to walk for around 10-15 minutes to collect water. HRO was informed that there was no ICC for female CAFF in Harper, thus female CAFF were staying with relatives in the community, which raises concerns for their safety. Consequently, the girls were unable to participate in rehabilitation programmes at the ICC.

Land dispute in Grand Bassa County

In May and August, LAC issued eviction notices to a number of villages in Grand Bassa County, as it plans to expand the plant under the terms of a 1959 Concession Agreement. While local organizations maintain that up to 60,000 persons will be affected, LAC and county officials speak of only 470 people being affected by the evictions, which appear to be the more realistic estimate. HROs visited several of the affected villages and it appears that the majority are unwilling to leave, with some stating that it is ancestral land and that they have nowhere else to go. Others expressed willingness to leave if they are provided with housing and adequate compensation. It appears that LAC will pay compensation for destroyed crops and houses, but villagers argue that the rate is inadequate and will not enable them to resettle. No other provisions have been planned, such as land allocation or housing materials.

On 20 October a meeting was held by civil society groups at Feetua, to raise awareness of the planned eviction exercise. Worryingly, a number of speakers referred to LAC’s eviction exercise as a “declaration of war” and stated they would not be prepared to move voluntarily. On 27 October, a LAC team conducting an assessment of crops and houses to be destroyed was reportedly approached by approximately 200 people brandishing sticks, cutlasses and single-barrel guns and accompanied by the traditional “devil” of the area.

Transitional Justice

On 18 October, the Minister of Justice made a presentation at the review workshop (see above: Political and Economic Developments and Trends), stating that people who have committed “heinous crimes” against the Liberian people “should not go with impunity”. However, he also said that Liberians should strike a balance between punishment of perpetrators and national reconciliation.

A number of discussions were held this month between HRPS, civil society representatives, the commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Minister of Justice and the NTGL Chairman in an attempt to resolve outstanding disagreements over key provisions of the draft Act. The commissioners were appointed by the Chairman under executive fiat earlier this year before the draft TRC Act had been finalised. They advised that they are developing a plan of action for their preparatory work; HRPS cautioned that their activities should be minimal until the draft Act is passed by the NTLA, establishing the mandate of the TRC.

Despite the efforts of HRPS and civil society to persuade the commissioners and the Chairman of the merits of the draft Act, two points of contention remained by the end of October. First, the commissioners, with the support of the Chairman, refuse to submit to a fresh selection process as stipulated in the draft Act, insisting upon recognition of their appointment. Second, the NTGL Chairman and the commissioners rejected the provision which permits the appointment of two international experts as commissioners. This was proposed by civil society and UNMIL in order to assist the TRC to take a holistic view of Liberia’s history of conflict. Both points have been rejected on the grounds that they would violate the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement but the commissioners and the NTGL Chairman have failed to explain the reasoning behind this argument. Clearly, the commissioners fear they would not be appointed in a fresh selection procedure.

The continuing delay in the submission of the draft Act to the NTLA reduces the length of time available to provide adequate popular education on the role of the TRC, and diminishes the sense of momentum gained over the past three months in the course opf popular five-county-wide consultations and the ensuing international conference on truth and reconciliation in Liberia held in July-August 2004.


4. Activities Undertaken During the Reporting Period and Recommendations

Delegation to Sierra Leone regarding returning combatants

On 11 and 12 October, Acting Chief of HRPS was part of a high level UNMIL delegation to Sierra Leone to discuss with the Government of that country measures to be put in place to assure the reception, rehabilitation and reintegration of Sierra Leonean ex-combatants returning from Liberia. The Vice President of Sierra Leone advised that the returning ex-combatants would be treated like any other returnees, and would be entitled to general reintegration programmes, but would not go through a special DDRR process as the Sierra Leonean process ended in January this year. It was agreed that although returns will be voluntary, ex-combatants should be encouraged to return home in order to place a circuit breaker in the mercenary cycle in the region. More than 230 ex-combatants have already identified themselves as Sierra Leonean.

Transitional justice

HRPS worked this month to promote support for the passage of the draft TRC Act and promote awareness of the draft Act. Meetings were held with the ECOWAS Ambassador, a representative of the European Union and the legal advisor to the NTGL Chairman. HROs stressed that it is imperative to promote the passage of the bill (with as little amendment as possible) and that financial and technical assistance to the TRC should be limited until it has been established under law and the commissioners have been selected and confirmed according to the procedure set out in the draft Act.

Following a request from the Minister of Justice, HRPS and the Liberian coalition of NGOs, the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), prepared a background paper on the draft TRC Act to the Minister in preparation for his defence of the bill before the NTLA. HRPS and TJWG also drafted a timetable for the passage of the bill from the Ministry, to the Chairman and onwards to the NTLA.

On 20 October, TJU commenced collaboration with the Public Information Section on an outreach program targeting IDP communities in four IDP camps on the outskirts of Monrovia.

Child protection

HRPS Child Protection Unit provided essential support to a child victim of rape, arranging safe accommodation and transport for the child and her mother to leave Monrovia.

Child Protection Advisor supported the Task Force on Sexual Violence against Children on the campaign on sexual violence against children. Sensitization has begun on UNMIL Radio, with a weekly call-in radio show on children’s issues. Training will be arranged for those who will be involved in the sensitization in the communities and IDP camps, including the police, advocacy groups and child rights groups and will take place during the last quarter of 2004. The campaign is expected to run until March 2005.

Juvenile justice

HRPS and UNMIL’s Legal and Judicial System Support Department engaged with magistrates and the Juvenile Judge of Montserrado County to facilitate appropriate handling of juvenile defendants. Following HRPS intervention, the Monrovia City Court Magistrate and the Juvenile Judge of Montserrado County secured the transfer of the case of a 17 year old juvenile from the City Court to the Juvenile Court. The youth, who had been in detention since late August, was subsequently released and taken back to his home by the probation officer. Another three juvenile defendants that had been detained since late September 2004 were likewise released after charges against them were dropped.

Rule of law

On 5 October, HRPS met with the Minister of Justice and a representative of the TRWG to further strengthen the collaboration between HRPS and the Ministry of Justice on a variety of issues concerning the rule of law and respect for human rights principles. In particular, HRPS urged the Minister to address certain areas of concern as soon as possible. These included the practice of irregular and unlawful detention; the need to improve access to justice; problems with juvenile detention and the irregular handling of juvenile cases by magistrates; and the serious need to prosecute child rape cases.

National institutions

National Institutions Advisor continued working on the Human Rights Strategic Plan, which will also include the strategy for the Independent Commission on Human Rights INCHR.

On 27 October, Acting Chief HRPS attended a meeting organised by the INCHR to lobby NTLA members to adopt quickly the draft INCHR Act which was submitted to Chairman Bryant on 5 October. The meeting was attended by all the INCHR commissioners, six members of the NTLA, representatives from civil society, a representative of the Good Governance Commission, the President of the Liberian Bar Association and the President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia. The participants unanimously agreed that the draft Act must be fast-tracked to ensure that INCHR commence operations without delay. Acting Chief HRPS explained that prior to its submission to Chairman Bryant, the draft Act was reviewed by the OHCHR National Institutions unit and their comments have been included to strengthen the INCHR. However, Acting Chief HRPS stressed that it is essential that the Liberian laws on the presentation of draft Acts to the Legislature be followed. This requires close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice. Unfortunately, the Minister declined to attend the meeting and did not send a representative.

Human rights protection and monitoring

HROs conducted several meetings with CIVPOL and community groups in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County, sector two, to support the establishment of a community watch scheme that would assist CIVPOL and the local LNP by forwarding information for appropriate police action, particularly in anticipation of security problems following the expected IDP and refugee returns.

HROs for Sector Three, Bong County, organized a pilot psychosocial counselling programme for residents at the Maimu IDP camp. The sessions were jointly facilitated with civil society and IDP Camp Management. More than 50 people participated and HROs have arranged for new sessions to be conducted for other groups as well as a follow-up session. HROs made arrangements for referrals for medical treatment for some people identified as victims of sexual or gender-based violence.

Human rights training

HROs provided two-day training on human rights and law enforcement for 21 LNP officers (including one woman) of the Careysburg police detachment, Montserrado County, Sector One. Although the LNP officers generally responded very well to the human rights discussion, they stated that due to current funding and logistic constraints, it is not always possible for them to meet their legal obligations.

Four training activities were conducted this month in Sector Three. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and UNHCR, HRO facilitated a two day workshop for the 18 Magistrates of Bong County on human rights and humanitarian law. HRO provided a one day Training of Trainers' workshop on child and women’s rights for representatives of women and youth groups in Gbarnga. HRO also provided one day of training on human rights and law enforcement for LNP and CivPol officers in both Bong and Nimba Counties.

5. Administrative, logistical and support-related issues and recommendations

Two international HROs were seconded throughout the month to support the second tranche TSA payments. Lack of office space and communications in the counties, as well as MOSS compliant vehicles, presented an obstacle to comprehensive monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation. Close monitoring of the riots in Monrovia at the end of the month was not possible due to the security situation.

Two international staff members arrived this month, increasing the total number of HRPS staff to 35.

(Dr Bipin Adhikari, Monrovia, Liberia)