Monrovia — Civil society organizations, government representatives, human rights advocates and international partners have intensified calls for the adoption of Liberia’s first-ever Human Rights Defenders Policy, describing it as a critical step toward protecting activists, journalists, lawyers, community leaders and other citizens who champion human rights across the country.
By Patience M. Jones
The call was made Thursday, June 18 during a Civil Society Organization (CSO) Platform Engagement organized by the ENSURE Consortium at Murex Plaza in Sinkor. The gathering brought together key stakeholders to review and build momentum around the draft policy aimed at establishing legal and institutional protections for human rights defenders (HRDs).
Opening the dialogue, Adama Dempster, Secretary-General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform, emphasized that while human rights are protected by law, Liberia currently lacks a specific legal framework safeguarding those who risk their lives and livelihoods to defend the rights of others.
“Human rights are based on laws, and those who work to protect human rights should also be protected by law,” Dempster declared.
“There is no law in this Republic specifically designed to protect human rights defenders. That must change.”
Dempster said civil society actors have been advocating for such protections for years and began a nationwide consultation process in 2022 with support from the United Nations Spotlight Initiative and the European Union. The consultations were held across Liberia’s regions and involved grassroots organizations, journalists, women’s groups, community leaders, and rights advocates.
According to him, the proposed policy would establish a national protection mechanism for human rights defenders facing threats, intimidation, harassment, or violence because of their work. It would also provide access to emergency support, including legal aid, relocation assistance, psychosocial services, and medical care.
“The policy is the first instrument that, if adopted, will provide a structured framework to protect journalists, lawyers, civil society actors and community leaders who often face reprisals for defending human rights,” Dempster said.
Representing Kvinna Till Kvinna (KTK), Research Officer Beatrice Newland said the engagement forms part of activities under the ENSURE Project, a regional initiative focused on addressing threats against human rights defenders, particularly women and marginalized groups.
She noted that the project has conducted extensive research in Liberia and Sierra Leone on challenges faced by defenders and is expected to release its findings soon.
“We are committed to ensuring that human rights defenders, especially women human rights defenders and vulnerable groups, operate in a safe and enabling environment,” Newland said.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (LICHRD), Chairperson Neidoteh Boye Torbor described the policy campaign as a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration among human rights organizations and improve protection mechanisms nationwide.
“We see this as an opportunity for institutional collaboration and a collective effort to defend and protect human rights without discrimination,” Torbor said.
National Civil Society Council of Liberia Chairperson W. Lawrence Yealue II argued that the rights sought under the proposed policy are already rooted in Liberia’s Constitution, particularly provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression, assembly, association, and due process.
“No politician in this country should suppress human rights defenders,” Yealue asserted. “If anyone attempts to violate those rights, we will use the courts to defend our liberties and ensure justice prevails.”
The Executive Director of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Atty. Uriahs Teh, warned that shrinking civic space across West Africa underscores the urgency of adopting the policy.
“We are witnessing increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in the region,” Teh said. “Without adequate protections, people will become afraid to speak out, and self-censorship will replace democratic participation.”
Teh explained that the draft policy seeks to guarantee fundamental rights for defenders, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, access to international human rights mechanisms, and protection from retaliation. It also calls for legal reforms to formally recognize human rights defenders under Liberian law and strengthen investigations into attacks against them.
A key feature of the policy is the proposed establishment of a Human Rights Defenders Protection Unit under the Independent National Commission on Human Rights. The unit would receive complaints, coordinate emergency responses, conduct risk assessments, and monitor threats against defenders nationwide.
The policy also proposes the creation of a Human Rights Defenders Protection Fund to provide emergency financial assistance, legal support, relocation services, psychosocial counseling, and medical aid for defenders facing imminent danger.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Kutaka Devine Togbah, Director of the Human Rights Protection Division, praised the collaborative process behind the policy and urged civil society organizations to unite around a common agenda.
“When human rights actors come together, they demonstrate strength and solidarity,” Togbah said. “Government and civil society are partners in ensuring that Liberia works for everyone.”
Stakeholders concluded the engagement by reaffirming their commitment to intensifying advocacy efforts aimed at securing Cabinet approval for the policy, which they described as a major milestone in strengthening democracy, protecting civic space, and advancing the rule of law in Liberia.
If adopted, the Human Rights Defenders Policy would become Liberia’s first formal framework dedicated to protecting individuals and organizations working to promote and defend human rights.
