PHOTO: INCHR Chair, Cllr. Brown
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) of Liberia has rejected accusation that it is interfering with the statutory mandate of other agencies government agencies and making disrespectful statements against it officials.
In the September 24, 2021 edition of the Independent newspaper, Liberia’s Solicitor General, Cllr. Syrenius Cephas accused the commission of making brazen, groundless and totally disrespectful statements against officials of the government.
Cllr. Cephas’ comment was in reaction to a press conference held on September 22, 2021 in which the INCHR called the government’s attention to the wave of human rights abuses affecting the daily lives of the Liberian people. The rights commission Chairman also expressed concern about recent allegation against the Solicitor General by former RIA Manager, Ellen Corkrum linking Cllr. Cephas to sacrifice of virgins for ritualistic purpose, a claim Cllr. Brown said needed investigation.
The SG has since dismissed Corkrum allegation, saying that he is a “devout Christian”.
But the commission’s Chairman, Cllr. Brown reminded SG Cephas that the INCHR is an independent and non political national human rights through the country.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia on Tuesday, the INHCR Chairman reminded Counselor Cephas that mysterious deaths, disappearances are core issues that violate the fundamental fights of Liberians and other residents.
Cllr. Brown said his press conference was intended to draw the attention of the government on the multiplicity of human rights issues including persistent disappearances, mysterious deaths, alleged ritualistic killings of vulnerable women and children.
According to him, mysterious deaths, disappearances, allegation of abduction, when left unchecked, violate individual rights to security of person, causes undue fear and restricts the movement of people.
He made it clear that his call is in fulfillment of the 2005 Act creating the Independent National Commission on Human Rights.
Cllr. Brown added that the commission is acting within the confines of its official mandate when it reminded the Liberian government to investigate the occurrences or allegations in the context of state obligations under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the security of person as well as Article 6 of the African Chapter.
The Independent Rights Commission clarified that while its obligation is not interfere with the statutory mandate of other agencies of government but where the state actors fails or neglect to act to repeated allegations , occurrences of mysterious deaths, disappearances abductions to the detriment of Liberian people and residents
The commission reminded the Solicitor General that in fulfillment of its duty, it will not be deterred by innuendoes falsehood misstatement of facts and hyper-counter claims geared at suggesting that the INCHR is on the smear campaign to damage the reputation of government officials.
The INHCR also clarified that its September 22, 2021 press conference was informed, unambiguous, succinct, clear, precise and it in no way alluded to or injured any individual in government or out of government.
The rights commission reaffirmed its commitment to implement its mandate to protect and promote human rights, as well as contributing to a human friendly environment where investment will bloom, social and economic prosperity will foster and civil and political rights will be maintained.