In the wake of consistent advocacy surrounding the legal instruments relative to death penalty, authorities at the Ministry of Justice and The Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform with support from the British Embassy have ended a one day comprehensive and final validation process on the draft death penalty bill.
At the close of the session, the Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights Cllr. Dempster Brown, called for the need to ensure the passage of the bill as a serious human rights issue.
Cllr. Brown a seasoned Human Rights activist, observed that some lawmakers are not making enough efforts as possible to ensure the passage of said key bill as a national instrument.
He told the gathering that during the Commission’s regular engagement on the issue, each of the members noticed that some legislators are allegedly politicizing the issue in a drive to seek re- election.
Deputy Minister for codification at the Ministry of Justice, Cllr. Cora Hare- Konuwa, reminded the participants of the country’s commitment to its international human rights obligation.
Liberia, she said, is a signatory to the Second Optional Protocol to the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandates the abolition of the death penalty.
The instrument, according to her, affirms Liberia’s dedication to protecting the rights to life and ensuring its legal framework aligns with international human rights standards.
Making reference to the November 26, 2024, roundtable dialogue organized by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Civil Society Human Rights Platform, with support from the British Embassy, Cllr. Konuwa said that the gathering was an important step in reviewing the draft bill to abolish the death penalty.
“The discussions were healthy, with valuable inputs from all involved, and a comprehensive report was submitted to the minister for onward presentation to the Legislature,” she told the body.
She then encouraged participants to consider all necessaries’ contributions made, ensuring that the bill reflects not only international human rights principles, but the unique needs of Liberia’s legal and societal contexts.
Additionally, she urged participants to utilize the validation to contribute to the drafting of Liberia’s initial report to the committee against torture.
Liberia, she indicated has been overdue in submitting such report, which should have been filed since 2008 as such calls for prompt actions.
The report, she said was crucial in demonstrating Liberia’s commitment to fulfilling its international human rights treaty reporting obligations, particularly regarding the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment.
Providing more legal and expert perspectives about the document was the Chairman of the Law Reform commission, Cllr. Boakai Kanneh, underscored the importance of reviewing the bill to ensure that its objectives are align with international human rights obligations.
He expressed the view that the death penalty should be recognized as a subset of torture indicating further with reference to the constitution currently that torture is not classified as a crime.
Cllr. Kanneh cited Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution in which stating the legislature has the authority to enact new laws that would criminalize torture.
He urged participants to carefully consider the definition of torture and to reference Chapter 36 of the Penal Code in such a context.
He also commended the MOJ for its effort and leading role along with CSOs in drafting the bill then advise those working on the legal reforms to resist undue pressure from international partners, rather encourage them to focus on the integrity and consistency of the legislation.
The more engaging and fruitful National forum which was held at the MOJ brought together technicians and actors from within the sector to include: The Law Reform commission, The Independent National Commission on Human Rights, The Ministry of Justice and members from the Legislature and the Judiciary.
Others were officers of the Liberia National Police, The National Security Agency, the Liberia Immigration Service, The British Embassy and the Civil Society Organizations.
The session convened by actors of the sector deliberated on an act to amend Title 25 of the Liberian Code of Law Revised, precisely 11, 14, 15, and 50 concerning sentencing and the abolition of the death penalty.
Meanwhile, the general focus of the deliberations was directed to Title: An Act to Amen Title 26 of the Liberian Code of Law Revised, Penal Law Chapter 11, 14, 15, and 50 Relating to Sentencing and Death Penalty.