Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Liberia
We the participants at the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 6th African Human Rights Book Fair, held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Banjul from October 14th-16th, 2002
Having examined collectively the overall human rights situations in Liberia;
Noting with grave concern the continued violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the security forces, especially the freedom of expression and assembly; arbitrary detention; the denial of justice and the defiance of court orders;
Considering the negative impact of the bloody civil war on the fundamental rights of Liberians and the urgent need to resolve the conflict;
Troubled at the way the Government of Liberia has increasingly curtailed and negated fundamental human rights and freedom guaranteed by the African Charter;
Disturbed by the continued harassment of civilians, human rights defenders, journalists; the extra judicial killings, arbitrary arrest and detention;
Alarmed by the continuation of rebels attacks on civilians and the lack of collective will of the government and armed groups to ensure a definite cease fire;
We call upon the African Commission to:
Send a mission in Liberia to assess the human rights situation;
Encourage the government and the rebel groups to sign and respect cease fire agreements;
Call on the government to stop the arbitrary arrests and detentions;
Ensure the unconditional release of journalists in prison
Urge the Liberian government to respect the rule of law especially the independence of the judiciary;
Urge the Liberian government to bring to justice perpetrators of human rights abuses and to ensure security in the country.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia 16th October 2002
