Monrovia, Liberia – The Acting Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Cllr. Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting human rights defenders and rebuilding public confidence in Liberia’s national human rights institution through comprehensive institutional reforms.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking at a two-day workshop for human rights defenders in Monrovia on Friday, July 3, Cllr. Fahnbulleh described defenders as indispensable partners in Liberia’s democratic development and called for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to safeguard their work.
He noted that the INCHR was established by an Act of the Legislature in 2005 following Liberia’s civil conflict to ensure that the country never returns to a culture of impunity, fear, and widespread human rights abuses.
As enshrined in the Commission’s mandate, which includes promoting and protecting human rights, investigating violations, monitoring compliance, advising the government, educating citizens, and serving as an independent guardian of the rights guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights instruments, he asserted that the Commission stands ready and robust for the full implementation of those sacred roles and responsibilities.
“The primary obligation to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill human rights rests with the State,” Fahnbulleh said, emphasizing that human rights are legal entitlements rather than privileges granted by those in authority.
The Acting Chairperson acknowledged that the Commission had experienced significant setbacks in recent years due to poor leadership, which undermined its ability to effectively carry out its mandate.
“The very institution that should defend and protect rights became involved in the abuse of rights internally. Today, we have the opportunity to change that situation, rebrand the Commission, and make it impactful and relevant once again within Liberia’s human rights community.”
He pledged to work closely with civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders to restore the credibility and effectiveness of the institution.
Paying tribute to Liberia’s human rights defenders, Cllr. Fahnbulleh praised journalists, lawyers, community activists, youth advocates, environmental campaigners, labor rights activists, and women’s rights defenders who continue to champion justice despite threats, intimidation, and limited resources.
The INCHR boss maintained that Liberia’s democratic gains were achieved through the courage and sacrifices of ordinary citizens who chose to stand for justice during periods of conflict and national rebuilding.
“Their sacrifices must never be forgotten,” he stated while honoring defenders who have endured harassment, arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, social exclusion, and, in some cases, lost their lives in the pursuit of justice.
Acting Chairperson acknowledged that human rights defenders in Liberia continue to face serious challenges, including harassment, threats to personal safety, misuse of legal processes, online abuse, stigmatization, and inadequate institutional protection.
To address these concerns, he announced that the Commission supports the development of a comprehensive national protection framework for human rights defenders, while at the same time disclosing that the INCHR is strengthening its complaints and hearing mechanisms to ensure allegations of human rights violations, including reprisals against defenders, are investigated independently and fairly.
Additionally, the acting Human Rights Commission boss called on the Government of Liberia (GoL), to establish clear national protection guidelines and a rapid-response mechanism involving the INCHR, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders.
“Protection cannot depend upon goodwill alone. It must become institutional. It must become predictable. It must become effective,” he declared.
He further advocated for legal reforms to prevent the misuse of laws against peaceful protesters, journalists, and citizens engaged in legitimate advocacy, stressing that constructive criticism should never be treated as hostility toward the State.
Addressing Liberia’s international partners, including the United Nations, ECOWAS, diplomatic missions, and development partners, the Liberian human rights lawyer expressed appreciation for their continued support in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting civic space.
He assured human rights defenders that the Commission remains committed to standing with them despite resource constraints.
“We may not possess every resource we require, but we possess an independent mandate, and we are determined to discharge that mandate with integrity, impartiality, and courage.”
Cllr. Fahnbulleh urged human rights defenders to maintain their independence and resist political manipulation, emphasizing that human rights advocacy must remain principled, evidence-based, impartial, and focus on justice rather than political or personal interests.
He then called on all Liberians to work together toward building a society where defending human rights becomes “the ordinary responsibility of every citizen,” and where justice prevails over impunity, truth over fear, and the rule of law over the rule of power.
