The Plenary of the House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Judiciary and Human Rights to review and report on a draft bill titled: “An Act to Amend the Act Establishing the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), and to Establish a Preventive Mechanism Against Torture, Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in the country.”
Plenary’s decision was reached recently during the 5th Day Sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 3rd Session.
This follows a communication submitted by Margibi County Electoral District #2 Representative, Ivar K. Jones.
In his communication, Rep. Jones requested Plenary’s review, deliberation, and subsequent enactment of the proposed legislation, which seeks to strengthen human rights framework, and establish safeguards against torture and other forms of inhumane treatment.
Rep. Jones said, the proposed Act is consistent with the “Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,” adopted on December 18, 2002, during the 57th Session of the United Nations General Assembly under Resolution A/RES/57/199. Liberia signed the protocol on September 22, 2004.
Jones further referenced Article 21(e) of the 1986 Constitution, which prohibits torture and inhumane treatment against persons charged, arrested, detained, or otherwise held in confinement.
The constitutional provision also mandates the Legislature to criminalize such acts and provide appropriate penalties against public officials found in violation.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the existing Act establishing the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) while creating a national preventive mechanism to ensure compliance with international human rights standards relating to the prevention of torture and degrading treatment.
Following deliberations, Plenary mandated the Joint Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights to thoroughly review the draft bill, and report its findings and recommendations to Plenary within two weeks.