The Acting Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Counselor Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh, has recommitted the Commission to protect human rights defenders.
Fahnbulled wants to also rebuild public confidence in national human rights institution through comprehensive reforms.
He spoke at a two-day workshop for human rights defenders in Monrovia on Friday, July 3.
Fahnbulleh described public defenders as ‘indispensable partners’ in democratic development.
He called for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to safeguard the works of defenders.
The INCHR was established by an Act of the Legislature in 2005, to ensure that the country never returned to a culture of impunity, fear and widespread human rights abuses.
As enshrined in the Commission’s mandate, are the promotion and protection of human rights, investigate violations, monitor compliance, advise the government, educate citizens, and serve as an independent guardian of the rights guaranteed under the constitution and international human rights instruments.
Fahnbulleh recalled how the Commission had encountered setbacks in recent years due to poor leadership, which he said, undermined the 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 the human rights community.”
Fahnbulleh meanwhile, pledged to work closely with civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders to restore the credibility and effectiveness of the institution.
He also paid tribute to rights’ defenders, as well as 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.
He recommended to government the establishment of clear national protection guidelines, and a rapid-response mechanism that would include the INCHR, the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, civil society organizations and human rights defenders.
