CSO Human Rights Advocacy Platform Partners With PUL In Training Journalists On Its Advocacy
As British Amb. To Liberia Underscores The Role Of Media And Human Rights Defenders In Upholding International Rights Principles
By Our Reporter
With 14 persons said to be on death roll in Liberia, the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform is conducting a training of the media on the significance of upholding a key international human rights principle—the right to life—in partnership with the Press Union of Liberia.
While a Bill on the abolition of the death penalty has been languishing within the corridors of the Liberian Legislature for years now, anti-death penalty campaigners in the country say neighbouring Sierra Leone is ahead of Liberia in recently passing a law to abolish the death penalty.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day training today, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor, British Ambassador to Liberia Paul Semister underscored the important role human rights defenders and the media play in promoting justice, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Amb. Semister said human rights defenders are critical to encouraging public discussion, promoting legal safeguards, and ensuring that debates on important national issues remain grounded in the principles of justice and humanity.
The British diplomat noted that the experiences of both Liberia and the United Kingdom demonstrate the importance of building strong institutions, maintaining an independent judiciary, and respecting constitutional and fundamental rights.
“These are not abstract concepts,” Semister noted, stressing that strong institutions and respect for fundamental rights form the foundation of public confidence in the justice system.
Amb. Semister also highlighted the vital role of the media in shaping public discourse, particularly on sensitive issues such as the death penalty, which often generate strong emotions and deeply held opinions.
He emphasized that responsible journalism is essential to ensuring that public discussions are guided by facts, evidence, and diverse perspectives.
The British Ambassador stated that human rights defenders make significant contributions to national debates by asking difficult questions, promoting accountability, and reminding society that the manner in which justice is administered reflects the values and principles of a nation.
The head of the CSO Human Rights Advocacy Platform,r Adama Dempster renewed calls for the abolition of capital punishment in Liberia, stressing the need to protect human life and uphold fundamental human rights.
Dempster said the death penalty contradicts the principles enshrined in the Liberian Constitution and the fundamental obligation to protect human life.
He emphasized that every effort must be made to safeguard the lives and rights of citizens, regardless of the crimes they may have committed.
According to the prominent rights advocate, the existence of laws prescribing capital punishment has not necessarily prevented crime, noting that criminal activities continue to increase in many parts of the world. He argued that the death penalty should therefore not be practiced by any country.
The human rights advocate called on journalists across Liberia to use their platforms to promote public awareness about human rights, the protection of life, and the need to abolish the death penalty.
For his part, PUL President Julius Kanubah expressed support for the objective of the campaigners for the abolition of the death penalty, noting the Journalists union is in the forefront in efforts to promote human rights and democracy.
“PUL is a human rights advancing institution. Today’s capacity building program for journalists and media institutions on the abolition of the death penalty is therefore both relevant and necessary,” the PUL President asserted.
Discussions at the two-day training covers various surrounding the promotion and protection of human rights and the status of the long-running campaign for the abolition of the death penalty in Liberia.