| LIBERIA Republic of Liberia Republic of Liberia Joined United Nations: 2 November 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 11/17/09 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Monrovia
3,441,790 (July 2009 est.)
President elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a
second term); election last held 8 November 2005
Next scheduled election: 2011
second term); election last held 8 November 2005
Next scheduled election: 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
According to the Liberian Constitution, the President is both the
Chief of State and Head of Government
Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Indigenous African 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Dei, Bella,
Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the US who had been slaves), Congo People
2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the Caribbean who had been slaves)
Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the US who had been slaves), Congo People
2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the Caribbean who had been slaves)
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 40%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 40%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 15 counties; Legal system is a dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern
sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sector; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 8 November 2005 (next to
be held in 2011)
Legislative: Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (30 seats; note - number of seats changed in 11 October 2005
elections; members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected
by popular vote to serve six-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 11 October 2005 (next to be held in 2011); House of Representatives - last held 11 October 2005
(next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court
sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sector; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 8 November 2005 (next to
be held in 2011)
Legislative: Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (30 seats; note - number of seats changed in 11 October 2005
elections; members elected by popular vote to serve nine-year terms) and the House of Representatives (64 seats; members elected
by popular vote to serve six-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 11 October 2005 (next to be held in 2011); House of Representatives - last held 11 October 2005
(next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Court
| LANGUAGES |
English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence
| BRIEF HISTORY |
It is believed that many of the indigenous peoples of Liberia migrated there from the north and east between the 12th and 16th
centuries AD. The area of West Africa which later became Liberia was invaded in the sixteenth century by Mane, Malian Soldiers
tribes from what is now the interior of Ivory Coast and Ghana. The Manes partitioned the conquered territories and their peoples
among Mane leaders with one chieftain over all. Shortly after the Manes conquered the region there was a migration of the Vai
people into the region of Grand Cape Mount. The Vai were part of the Mali Empire that were forced to migrate when the empire
collapsed in the fourteenth century. The Vai chose to migrate to the coastal region. The Kru opposed the migration of the Vai into
their region. An alliance of the Manes and Kru were able to stop the further migration of the Vai but the Vai remained in the Grand
Cape Mount region (where the city of Robertsport is now located). Another tribal group in the area was the Glebo. The Glebo
were driven, as a result of the Manes invasion, to migrate to the coast of what later became Liberia. Portuguese explorers
established contacts with the land later known as "Liberia" as early as 1461 and named the area the Grain Coast because of the
abundance of grains of melegueta pepper. In 1602 the Dutch established a trading post at Grand Cape Mount but destroyed the
post a year later. In 1663 the British installed trading posts on the Grain Coast. No further known settlements by non-African
colonists occurred along the Grain Coast until the arrival of freed American slaves starting in 1817. Modern Liberia was founded in
1822 by freed slaves from the United States. They were sent to Africa under the auspices of the American Colonization Society, a
private organization whose purpose was "to promote and execute a plan for colonizing in Africa, with their own consent, the free
people of color residing in the US." The American Colonization Society was a group of white Americans — including some
slaveholders — that had a variety of motives. Free blacks, freedmen and their descendants, encountered widespread discrimination
in the United States of the early 19th century. They were generally perceived as a burden on society, and a threat to white workers
because they undercut wages. Some abolitionists believed that blacks could not achieve equality in the United States and would be
better off in Africa. Many slaveholders were worried that the presence of free blacks would encourage slaves to rebel. Other
supporters of removal to Africa wanted to prevent racial mixing, to promote the spread of Christianity in Africa, or to develop trade
with Africa. The first settlement was on Providence Island near where the present capital city, Monrovia, is located. Although the
Society had arranged with local chiefs for a settlement, the colonists were attacked by indigenous peoples, disease, and barely
maintained their foothold. In 1824, the settlers built fortifications for protection. In that same year, the settlement was named Liberia,
with its capital at Monrovia, named for President James Monroe. The settlers recreated American society, building churches and
homes that resembled Southern plantations. And they continued to speak English. They also entered into a complex relationship
with the indigenous people -- marrying them in some cases, discriminating against them in others, (and enslaving them in the worst of
cases) but all the time attempting to "civilize" them and impose Western values on the traditional communities. The American
Colonization Society closely controlled the development of Liberia until 1847. However, by the 1840s, Liberia had become a
financial burden on the American Colonization Society which was effectively bankrupt. The transported Liberians were demoralized
by hostile local tribes, bad management, and deadly diseases. In addition, Liberia faced political threats, chiefly from Britain,
because it was neither a sovereign power nor a bona fide colony of any sovereign nation. Because the United States refused to
claim sovereignty over Liberia, in 1846 the ACS directed the Liberians to proclaim their independence. In 1847, the colony became
the independent nation of Liberia. By 1867, the society had sent more than 13,000 emigrants. The Americo-Liberians have never
constituted above five percent of the population of Liberia; however, for over one hundred years, the Americo-Liberians reserved
within the group all political and economic leadership. Under the name of the True Whig Party (TWP), the Americo-Liberians
subdued indigenous tribes in Liberia and permitted no organized political opposition thus making Liberia a one-party state. After
Liberia declared its independence in 1847, Joseph J. Roberts, a freeborn Black who was born in Virginia, was elected Liberia's first
president and Stephen Benson was elected vice-president. Over the next few decades, escalating economic difficulties began to
weaken the state's dominance over the coastal indigenous population. When the financially burdened ACS withdrew its support,
conditions worsened as Liberia tried desperately to modernize its largely agricultural economy. The cost of imports was far greater
than the income generated by exports of coffee, rice, palm oil, sugarcane, and timber. In 1903, the British forced a concession of
Liberian territory to Sierra Leone, but tension along that border remained high. In addition to continued internal unrest, the country
faced a severe economic crisis and huge indebtedness to European creditors. By 1906 the Liberian Government was literally
bankrupt. The Government could not pay its bills without borrowing money from local German merchants. In 1912, the U.S.
arranged a 40-year international loan totaling $1.7 million, with the proviso that four outsiders (American, British, French and
German) be given control over customs receipts and taxes, which were earmarked for loan repayment. At the outbreak of World
War I, President Howard attempted to maintain the country's neutrality, though he tended to support the Allies, whose colonial
territories in Africa surrounded Liberia. World War I resulted in the trade between Liberia and Britain, France and the United
States being reduced to almost zero due to the German submarine blockade. Income from customs revenue was disrupted, when
Germany, Liberia's major trading partner, withdrew from Liberia. In 1942 Liberia signed a Defense Pact with the United States.
This commenced a period of developing strategic development including the construction of roads, airports and other infrastructure
projects. From 1946 to 1960, the Tubman Administration attracted $500 million in foreign investment. From 1962 to 1980, Liberia
received $280 million in aid from the U.S., the greatest level of U.S. aid to any African country on a per capita basis at the time. In
exchange for this aid, Liberia offered its land free of rent for U.S. facilities. On April 12, 1980, a 28-year-old Krahn tribesman from
one of the country's smallest ethnic groups -- Master Sergeant Samuel K. Doe -- successfully led a bloody coup d'état coup to
overthrow Tolbert's rule. Doe quickly re-established good relations with the United States and encouraged the U.S. to send
economic and military aid. On December 24, 1989, Charles Taylor and a small group of Libyan-trained rebels calling themselves
the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) entered Nimba County from neighboring Côte d'Ivoire and initiated a rebellion which
became the Liberian Civil War. Doe was captured and taken to the INPFL’s Caldwell base. The circumstances that led to Doe’s
visit to the Free Port are still unclear; however, after Doe arrived, Prince Johnson’s INPFL attacked the headquarters and
captured, tortured, and killed him. His torture and execution were videotaped by his captors. In August 1995, six years of civil war
came to a sudden end as the main factions signed the Abuja Accord, an agreement largely brokered by Ghanaian President Gerry
Rawlings. A new civil war began in 1999 when a rebel group backed by the government of neighboring Guinea, the Liberians
United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), emerged in northern Liberia. On August 11, 2003 under intense U.S. and
international pressure, President Taylor resigned on August 11, 2003 as part of a peace agreement and was flown into exile in
Nigeria. Vice-President Moses Blah replaced Taylor on an interim basis while a transitional government was being set up. First
round presidential elections in October 2005 resulted in a run-off between ex-footballer George Weah and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a
former World Bank economist and finance minister. Johnson-Sirleaf was declared president on November 23rd, making her the
first woman president of Liberia and indeed of any African country.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Liberia
centuries AD. The area of West Africa which later became Liberia was invaded in the sixteenth century by Mane, Malian Soldiers
tribes from what is now the interior of Ivory Coast and Ghana. The Manes partitioned the conquered territories and their peoples
among Mane leaders with one chieftain over all. Shortly after the Manes conquered the region there was a migration of the Vai
people into the region of Grand Cape Mount. The Vai were part of the Mali Empire that were forced to migrate when the empire
collapsed in the fourteenth century. The Vai chose to migrate to the coastal region. The Kru opposed the migration of the Vai into
their region. An alliance of the Manes and Kru were able to stop the further migration of the Vai but the Vai remained in the Grand
Cape Mount region (where the city of Robertsport is now located). Another tribal group in the area was the Glebo. The Glebo
were driven, as a result of the Manes invasion, to migrate to the coast of what later became Liberia. Portuguese explorers
established contacts with the land later known as "Liberia" as early as 1461 and named the area the Grain Coast because of the
abundance of grains of melegueta pepper. In 1602 the Dutch established a trading post at Grand Cape Mount but destroyed the
post a year later. In 1663 the British installed trading posts on the Grain Coast. No further known settlements by non-African
colonists occurred along the Grain Coast until the arrival of freed American slaves starting in 1817. Modern Liberia was founded in
1822 by freed slaves from the United States. They were sent to Africa under the auspices of the American Colonization Society, a
private organization whose purpose was "to promote and execute a plan for colonizing in Africa, with their own consent, the free
people of color residing in the US." The American Colonization Society was a group of white Americans — including some
slaveholders — that had a variety of motives. Free blacks, freedmen and their descendants, encountered widespread discrimination
in the United States of the early 19th century. They were generally perceived as a burden on society, and a threat to white workers
because they undercut wages. Some abolitionists believed that blacks could not achieve equality in the United States and would be
better off in Africa. Many slaveholders were worried that the presence of free blacks would encourage slaves to rebel. Other
supporters of removal to Africa wanted to prevent racial mixing, to promote the spread of Christianity in Africa, or to develop trade
with Africa. The first settlement was on Providence Island near where the present capital city, Monrovia, is located. Although the
Society had arranged with local chiefs for a settlement, the colonists were attacked by indigenous peoples, disease, and barely
maintained their foothold. In 1824, the settlers built fortifications for protection. In that same year, the settlement was named Liberia,
with its capital at Monrovia, named for President James Monroe. The settlers recreated American society, building churches and
homes that resembled Southern plantations. And they continued to speak English. They also entered into a complex relationship
with the indigenous people -- marrying them in some cases, discriminating against them in others, (and enslaving them in the worst of
cases) but all the time attempting to "civilize" them and impose Western values on the traditional communities. The American
Colonization Society closely controlled the development of Liberia until 1847. However, by the 1840s, Liberia had become a
financial burden on the American Colonization Society which was effectively bankrupt. The transported Liberians were demoralized
by hostile local tribes, bad management, and deadly diseases. In addition, Liberia faced political threats, chiefly from Britain,
because it was neither a sovereign power nor a bona fide colony of any sovereign nation. Because the United States refused to
claim sovereignty over Liberia, in 1846 the ACS directed the Liberians to proclaim their independence. In 1847, the colony became
the independent nation of Liberia. By 1867, the society had sent more than 13,000 emigrants. The Americo-Liberians have never
constituted above five percent of the population of Liberia; however, for over one hundred years, the Americo-Liberians reserved
within the group all political and economic leadership. Under the name of the True Whig Party (TWP), the Americo-Liberians
subdued indigenous tribes in Liberia and permitted no organized political opposition thus making Liberia a one-party state. After
Liberia declared its independence in 1847, Joseph J. Roberts, a freeborn Black who was born in Virginia, was elected Liberia's first
president and Stephen Benson was elected vice-president. Over the next few decades, escalating economic difficulties began to
weaken the state's dominance over the coastal indigenous population. When the financially burdened ACS withdrew its support,
conditions worsened as Liberia tried desperately to modernize its largely agricultural economy. The cost of imports was far greater
than the income generated by exports of coffee, rice, palm oil, sugarcane, and timber. In 1903, the British forced a concession of
Liberian territory to Sierra Leone, but tension along that border remained high. In addition to continued internal unrest, the country
faced a severe economic crisis and huge indebtedness to European creditors. By 1906 the Liberian Government was literally
bankrupt. The Government could not pay its bills without borrowing money from local German merchants. In 1912, the U.S.
arranged a 40-year international loan totaling $1.7 million, with the proviso that four outsiders (American, British, French and
German) be given control over customs receipts and taxes, which were earmarked for loan repayment. At the outbreak of World
War I, President Howard attempted to maintain the country's neutrality, though he tended to support the Allies, whose colonial
territories in Africa surrounded Liberia. World War I resulted in the trade between Liberia and Britain, France and the United
States being reduced to almost zero due to the German submarine blockade. Income from customs revenue was disrupted, when
Germany, Liberia's major trading partner, withdrew from Liberia. In 1942 Liberia signed a Defense Pact with the United States.
This commenced a period of developing strategic development including the construction of roads, airports and other infrastructure
projects. From 1946 to 1960, the Tubman Administration attracted $500 million in foreign investment. From 1962 to 1980, Liberia
received $280 million in aid from the U.S., the greatest level of U.S. aid to any African country on a per capita basis at the time. In
exchange for this aid, Liberia offered its land free of rent for U.S. facilities. On April 12, 1980, a 28-year-old Krahn tribesman from
one of the country's smallest ethnic groups -- Master Sergeant Samuel K. Doe -- successfully led a bloody coup d'état coup to
overthrow Tolbert's rule. Doe quickly re-established good relations with the United States and encouraged the U.S. to send
economic and military aid. On December 24, 1989, Charles Taylor and a small group of Libyan-trained rebels calling themselves
the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) entered Nimba County from neighboring Côte d'Ivoire and initiated a rebellion which
became the Liberian Civil War. Doe was captured and taken to the INPFL’s Caldwell base. The circumstances that led to Doe’s
visit to the Free Port are still unclear; however, after Doe arrived, Prince Johnson’s INPFL attacked the headquarters and
captured, tortured, and killed him. His torture and execution were videotaped by his captors. In August 1995, six years of civil war
came to a sudden end as the main factions signed the Abuja Accord, an agreement largely brokered by Ghanaian President Gerry
Rawlings. A new civil war began in 1999 when a rebel group backed by the government of neighboring Guinea, the Liberians
United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), emerged in northern Liberia. On August 11, 2003 under intense U.S. and
international pressure, President Taylor resigned on August 11, 2003 as part of a peace agreement and was flown into exile in
Nigeria. Vice-President Moses Blah replaced Taylor on an interim basis while a transitional government was being set up. First
round presidential elections in October 2005 resulted in a run-off between ex-footballer George Weah and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a
former World Bank economist and finance minister. Johnson-Sirleaf was declared president on November 23rd, making her the
first woman president of Liberia and indeed of any African country.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Liberia
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Civil war and government mismanagement destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around the
capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the conclusion of fighting and
the installation of a democratically-elected government in 2006, some have returned. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources,
forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products - primarily raw timber
and rubber. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. President JOHNSON SIRLEAF, a
Harvard-trained banker and administrator, has taken steps to reduce corruption, build support from international donors, and
encourage private investment. Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new sources of revenue for the
government. The reconstruction of infrastructure and the raising of incomes in this ravaged economy will largely depend on generous
financial and technical assistance from donor countries and foreign investment in key sectors, such as infrastructure and power
generation.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Liberia)
capital, Monrovia. Many businesses fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them, but with the conclusion of fighting and
the installation of a democratically-elected government in 2006, some have returned. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources,
forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products - primarily raw timber
and rubber. Local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. President JOHNSON SIRLEAF, a
Harvard-trained banker and administrator, has taken steps to reduce corruption, build support from international donors, and
encourage private investment. Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new sources of revenue for the
government. The reconstruction of infrastructure and the raising of incomes in this ravaged economy will largely depend on generous
financial and technical assistance from donor countries and foreign investment in key sectors, such as infrastructure and power
generation.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Liberia)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
From 1980 to 2003, Liberia was governed by a series of military and transitional governments. The president of the last of these,
Charles Taylor, was forced to step down in 2003, and the United Nations installed a transitional government. Elections to select a
government to replace the transitional government took place in October and November 2005.
An Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) was formed in Gambia under the auspices of ECOWAS in October 1990 and
Dr. Amos Sawyer became President. Taylor refused to work with the interim government and continued war.
By 1992, several warring factions had emerged in the Liberian civil war, all of which were absorbed in the new transitional
government. After several peace accorBy 1992, several warring factions had emerged in the Liberian civil war, all of which were
absorbed in the new transitional government. After several peace accords and declining military power, Taylor finally agreed to the
formation of a five-man transitional government.
After considerable progress in negotiations conducted by the United States, United Nations, Organization of African Unity, and the
Economic Community of West African States, disarmament and demobilization of warring factions were hastily carried out and
special elections were held on 19 July 1997 with Charles Taylor and his National Patriotic Party emerging victorious. Taylor won
the election by a large majority, primarily because Liberians feared a return to war had Taylor lost. However, unrest continued, and
by 2003, two rebel groups were challenging Taylor's control of the country. In August 2003, Taylor resigned and fled the country
and vice-president Moses Blah became acting president. The international community again intervened and helped set up a
transitional government under Gyude Bryant.
For more than a year, over 9,000 census-takers combed the densely forested nation mapping every structure. For three days
starting March 21, 2008, they will revisit each dwelling and count the inhabitants.ds and declining military power, Taylor finally
agreed to the formation of a five-man transitional government.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Liberia
Charles Taylor, was forced to step down in 2003, and the United Nations installed a transitional government. Elections to select a
government to replace the transitional government took place in October and November 2005.
An Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU) was formed in Gambia under the auspices of ECOWAS in October 1990 and
Dr. Amos Sawyer became President. Taylor refused to work with the interim government and continued war.
By 1992, several warring factions had emerged in the Liberian civil war, all of which were absorbed in the new transitional
government. After several peace accorBy 1992, several warring factions had emerged in the Liberian civil war, all of which were
absorbed in the new transitional government. After several peace accords and declining military power, Taylor finally agreed to the
formation of a five-man transitional government.
After considerable progress in negotiations conducted by the United States, United Nations, Organization of African Unity, and the
Economic Community of West African States, disarmament and demobilization of warring factions were hastily carried out and
special elections were held on 19 July 1997 with Charles Taylor and his National Patriotic Party emerging victorious. Taylor won
the election by a large majority, primarily because Liberians feared a return to war had Taylor lost. However, unrest continued, and
by 2003, two rebel groups were challenging Taylor's control of the country. In August 2003, Taylor resigned and fled the country
and vice-president Moses Blah became acting president. The international community again intervened and helped set up a
transitional government under Gyude Bryant.
For more than a year, over 9,000 census-takers combed the densely forested nation mapping every structure. For three days
starting March 21, 2008, they will revisit each dwelling and count the inhabitants.ds and declining military power, Taylor finally
agreed to the formation of a five-man transitional government.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Liberia
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Although civil unrest continues to abate with the assistance of 18,000 UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers, as of January
2007, Liberian refugees still remain in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Ghana; Liberia, in turn, shelters refugees fleeing
turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict
continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send their migrant workers to Ivorian cocoa plantations; UN
sanctions ban Liberia from exporting diamonds and timber
2007, Liberian refugees still remain in Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Ghana; Liberia, in turn, shelters refugees fleeing
turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire; despite the presence of over 9,000 UN forces (UNOCI) in Cote d'Ivoire since 2004, ethnic conflict
continues to spread into neighboring states who can no longer send their migrant workers to Ivorian cocoa plantations; UN
sanctions ban Liberia from exporting diamonds and timber
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 12,600 (Cote d'Ivoire)
IDPs: 13,000 (civil war from 1990-2004; IDP resettlement began in November 2004) (2007)
IDPs: 13,000 (civil war from 1990-2004; IDP resettlement began in November 2004) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine for the European and US markets;
corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of
well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center
corruption, criminal activity, arms-dealing, and diamond trade provide significant potential for money laundering, but the lack of
well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2008 Human Rights Report: Liberia
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Liberia is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 3.5 million. In 2005 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won multiparty
presidential elections, which domestic and international observers considered generally free and fair. Since the 2003 signing of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the 1999-2003 civil war, the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers and UN
international police (UNPOL) have had primary responsibility for maintaining security. Efforts to select and train personnel for the Liberia
National Police (LNP) and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) continued. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control
of the security forces, there were instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of government authority.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, problems continued.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) held public hearings in all 15 counties, sent psychosocial teams throughout the country
to help civil war victims, and collaborated with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to foster reconciliation in many communities.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Liberia is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 3.5 million. In 2005 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won multiparty
presidential elections, which domestic and international observers considered generally free and fair. Since the 2003 signing of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the 1999-2003 civil war, the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers and UN
international police (UNPOL) have had primary responsibility for maintaining security. Efforts to select and train personnel for the Liberia
National Police (LNP) and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) continued. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control
of the security forces, there were instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of government authority.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, problems continued.
- Mob violence and land disputes resulted in deaths, and ritualistic killings occurred.
- Police abused, harassed, and intimidated detainees and citizens.
- Prison conditions remained harsh, and arbitrary arrest and detention occurred.
- Lengthy pretrial detention and denial of due process and fair public trial were problems.
- Some incidents of trial-by-ordeal were reported.
- Corruption and impunity continued in most levels of the government.
- Violence against women, including rape, was a problem, and domestic violence was widespread.
- Some ethnic groups continued to practice female genital mutilation (FGM).
- Child abuse and sexual violence against children were problems, and a few cases of human trafficking were reported.
- Racial and ethnic discrimination continued, and instances of child labor were reported, especially in the informal sector.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) held public hearings in all 15 counties, sent psychosocial teams throughout the country
to help civil war victims, and collaborated with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to foster reconciliation in many communities.
Click here to read more »
7 August 2009
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-forth session
20 July – 7 August 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Liberia
Introduction
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women without reservations, and its acceptance of the amendment
to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention, concerning the meeting time of the Committee. The Committee expresses its appreciation to
the State party for its combined initial, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth periodic reports, which followed the Committee’s guidelines
for the preparation of reports and which provided a candid picture of the situation of women in Liberia, while regretting that the reports
were long overdue, and did not refer to the General Recommendations of the Committee. The Committee also expresses its appreciation
for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the presession working group and for the oral presentation and
responses to the questions posed by the Committee.
Positive aspects
6. The Committee notes with appreciation that the combined initial to sixth periodic report was prepared in a participatory process which
involved Government bodies and non-governmental organizations, with technical assistance from the United Nations Division for the
Advancement of Women.
7. The Committee commends the State party for its demonstrated political will and commitment, expressed during the constructive
dialogue, to eliminate discrimination against women and achieve gender equality.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
10. While recalling the State party’s obligation to systematically and continuously to implement all the provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention
of the State party between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls upon the State party
to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It
also calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, other Government structures at all
levels, to Parliament and the judiciary in order to ensure their effective implementation.
Parliament
11. While reaffirming that the Government has the primary responsibility and is particularly accountable for the full implementation of the
State party’s obligations under the Convention, the Committee stresses that the Convention is binding on all branches of Government and
invites the State party to encourage its national Parliament, in line with its mandate and procedures, where appropriate, to take the
necessary steps with regard to the implementation of these concluding observations and the Government’s next reporting process under
the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-forth session
20 July – 7 August 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Liberia
Introduction
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women without reservations, and its acceptance of the amendment
to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention, concerning the meeting time of the Committee. The Committee expresses its appreciation to
the State party for its combined initial, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth periodic reports, which followed the Committee’s guidelines
for the preparation of reports and which provided a candid picture of the situation of women in Liberia, while regretting that the reports
were long overdue, and did not refer to the General Recommendations of the Committee. The Committee also expresses its appreciation
for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the presession working group and for the oral presentation and
responses to the questions posed by the Committee.
Positive aspects
6. The Committee notes with appreciation that the combined initial to sixth periodic report was prepared in a participatory process which
involved Government bodies and non-governmental organizations, with technical assistance from the United Nations Division for the
Advancement of Women.
7. The Committee commends the State party for its demonstrated political will and commitment, expressed during the constructive
dialogue, to eliminate discrimination against women and achieve gender equality.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
10. While recalling the State party’s obligation to systematically and continuously to implement all the provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority attention
of the State party between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls upon the State party
to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It
also calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, other Government structures at all
levels, to Parliament and the judiciary in order to ensure their effective implementation.
Parliament
11. While reaffirming that the Government has the primary responsibility and is particularly accountable for the full implementation of the
State party’s obligations under the Convention, the Committee stresses that the Convention is binding on all branches of Government and
invites the State party to encourage its national Parliament, in line with its mandate and procedures, where appropriate, to take the
necessary steps with regard to the implementation of these concluding observations and the Government’s next reporting process under
the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2009 Report
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf continued her anticorruption campaign in 2008, but her administration faced accusations of abuse of
power after local elections were canceled for financial reasons and the Supreme Court gave her the authority to appoint mayors. Also
during the year, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began hearing testimony despite a series of delays and problems with
transparency.
Taylor, who had been indicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in 2003 for allegedly arming Sierra Leonean rebels in
exchange for diamonds, was finally turned over to the court in 2006. His trial began in June 2007 in The Hague, the Netherlands, but
was suspended until January 2008, when the court finally began hearing prosecution testimony.
Also in 2008, Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 2006, at last began hearing testimony. Prince Johnson
appeared before the court in August. There were calls for Johnson-Sirleaf to appear as well, but she did not do so during the year.
Since her inauguration in January 2006, Johnson-Sirleaf had made some noteworthy progress on fulfilling campaign promises to repair
infrastructure and combat corruption. At the same time, opposition lawmakers began accusing her of increasing the power of the central
government, particularly the executive branch. These claims intensified in early 2008, when the Supreme Court granted Johnson-Sirleaf
the authority to appoint mayors after municipal elections, which would have been the first since 1985, were canceled, ostensibly due to
financial constraints. The president's supporters argued that centralization of power was unavoidable given the difficulty of passing
reforms that were needed to maintain peace. The international community has sided with Johnson-Sirleaf to date, and continues to invest
in the country and forgive public debt amid signs of improving governance.
Liberia is an electoral democracy. International observers determined that the 2005 presidential and legislative elections were free and
fair. The bicameral National Assembly consists of a 30-member Senate and a 64-member House of Representatives; senators are elected
to nine-year terms, and representatives are elected to six-year terms. Presidents also serve six-year terms and are eligible for a second
term. Major political parties include President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's UP, George Weah's CDC, the Liberty Party, and the National
Patriotic Party of former president Charles Taylor. In 2008, municipal elections that were planned for October were canceled, ostensibly
for financial reasons, and the Supreme Court subsequently granted Johnson-Sirleaf the authority to appoint mayors instead.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 4
Status: Partly Free
Overview
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf continued her anticorruption campaign in 2008, but her administration faced accusations of abuse of
power after local elections were canceled for financial reasons and the Supreme Court gave her the authority to appoint mayors. Also
during the year, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began hearing testimony despite a series of delays and problems with
transparency.
Taylor, who had been indicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in 2003 for allegedly arming Sierra Leonean rebels in
exchange for diamonds, was finally turned over to the court in 2006. His trial began in June 2007 in The Hague, the Netherlands, but
was suspended until January 2008, when the court finally began hearing prosecution testimony.
Also in 2008, Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 2006, at last began hearing testimony. Prince Johnson
appeared before the court in August. There were calls for Johnson-Sirleaf to appear as well, but she did not do so during the year.
Since her inauguration in January 2006, Johnson-Sirleaf had made some noteworthy progress on fulfilling campaign promises to repair
infrastructure and combat corruption. At the same time, opposition lawmakers began accusing her of increasing the power of the central
government, particularly the executive branch. These claims intensified in early 2008, when the Supreme Court granted Johnson-Sirleaf
the authority to appoint mayors after municipal elections, which would have been the first since 1985, were canceled, ostensibly due to
financial constraints. The president's supporters argued that centralization of power was unavoidable given the difficulty of passing
reforms that were needed to maintain peace. The international community has sided with Johnson-Sirleaf to date, and continues to invest
in the country and forgive public debt amid signs of improving governance.
Liberia is an electoral democracy. International observers determined that the 2005 presidential and legislative elections were free and
fair. The bicameral National Assembly consists of a 30-member Senate and a 64-member House of Representatives; senators are elected
to nine-year terms, and representatives are elected to six-year terms. Presidents also serve six-year terms and are eligible for a second
term. Major political parties include President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's UP, George Weah's CDC, the Liberty Party, and the National
Patriotic Party of former president Charles Taylor. In 2008, municipal elections that were planned for October were canceled, ostensibly
for financial reasons, and the Supreme Court subsequently granted Johnson-Sirleaf the authority to appoint mayors instead.
Click here to read more »
Sierra Leoneans unaware of Charles Taylor trial
14 July 2009
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor began testifying at his trial on Tuesday before the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague.
Despite the importance of this trial for the victims of the conflict in Sierra Leone, Amnesty International said it is concerned that many
Sierra Leoneans are unaware about it and are not following the court proceedings.
"Today the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown, where the proceedings from The Hague are being shown by video link, was
mostly empty. People seem unaware of what is happening," said Tania Bernath of Amnesty International, currently in Sierra Leone.
Amnesty International said it believes that current efforts to inform Sierra Leoneans about the trial are insufficient. The organization said
that more needs to be done to ensure that the victims of the conflict in Sierra Leone receive information that is both easily accessible,
including to those living in rural areas, and relevant to them.
Mr Taylor faces 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity that he is alleged to have committed in Sierra Leone.
His trial moved to The Hague in January 2008 due to fears that it would create instability in Sierra Leone and neighbouring Liberia.
His trial resumed on Monday, following the completion of the prosecution case in February 2009.
The defence for Mr Taylor began on Monday and is expected to last several months. It is the first time an African head of state has been
prosecuted before an international criminal court for crimes committed against Africans.
The lead defence council, Courtney Griffith opened the day by providing an overview of the defence strategy denying Charles Taylor’s
involvement in the crimes alleged, including killings, mutilations, sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. His defence
follows evidence given from 91 prosecution witnesses that ended in February 2009.
Click here to read more »
14 July 2009
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor began testifying at his trial on Tuesday before the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague.
Despite the importance of this trial for the victims of the conflict in Sierra Leone, Amnesty International said it is concerned that many
Sierra Leoneans are unaware about it and are not following the court proceedings.
"Today the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown, where the proceedings from The Hague are being shown by video link, was
mostly empty. People seem unaware of what is happening," said Tania Bernath of Amnesty International, currently in Sierra Leone.
Amnesty International said it believes that current efforts to inform Sierra Leoneans about the trial are insufficient. The organization said
that more needs to be done to ensure that the victims of the conflict in Sierra Leone receive information that is both easily accessible,
including to those living in rural areas, and relevant to them.
Mr Taylor faces 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity that he is alleged to have committed in Sierra Leone.
His trial moved to The Hague in January 2008 due to fears that it would create instability in Sierra Leone and neighbouring Liberia.
His trial resumed on Monday, following the completion of the prosecution case in February 2009.
The defence for Mr Taylor began on Monday and is expected to last several months. It is the first time an African head of state has been
prosecuted before an international criminal court for crimes committed against Africans.
The lead defence council, Courtney Griffith opened the day by providing an overview of the defence strategy denying Charles Taylor’s
involvement in the crimes alleged, including killings, mutilations, sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. His defence
follows evidence given from 91 prosecution witnesses that ended in February 2009.
Click here to read more »
Letter to the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Prosecution for Serious Crimes
June 16, 2009
Dear Commissioner:
Human Rights Watch believes that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) stands to make an extremely meaningful contribution
to helping Liberia recover from more than 12 years of brutal conflict. The level of public participation and myriad issues addressed in
your commission's public hearings are encouraging. As you work to implement the part of your mandate related to accountability - to
recommend for prosecution the most serious abuses of human rights - we write to offer some insights into how best you may carry this
important effort forward.
Last month, you conducted country-wide consultations on what recommendations the TRC should include in its final report to be
released later this year. We were heartened by the overwhelming level of popular support for accountability expressed during these
consultations. Indeed, on May 22, the TRC spokesman said, "The population believes that to strengthen the rule of law, individuals who
bear the greatest responsibilities of atrocities committed during the war should be prosecuted.... They have asked for the establishment
of a war crimes court the same way it was done in Sierra Leone and this is just what we will do." This follows preliminary findings from
January 24, 2009, which stated that the commissioners have "determine[d] that a criminal court with the competence and jurisdiction to
adjudicate criminal responsibility" for serious crimes in violation of domestic and international law "is appropriate."
Human Rights Watch believes that justice and accountability for serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law,
like those committed during Liberia's armed conflicts, is essential for several reasons: to bring justice to the victims, to punish the
perpetrators, and to build respect for the rule of law. This is especially true for societies that have been devastated by conflict, such as
Liberia. Prosecutions for serious crimes - such as war crimes and crimes against humanity - are moreover required by international law.
Human Rights Watch has assessed efforts to ensure justice for atrocities around the world, including in Cambodia, the Democratic
Republic of Congo, Iraq, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, and the former Yugoslavia. As you consider options for ensuring
accountability for the victims of serious crimes in Liberia, we hope to draw from this experience to share lessons learned on ensuring
fair and effective trials.
Human Rights Watch has conducted in-depth research on Liberia since 1989, publishing more than a dozen full-length reports and
numerous other documents on human rights violations and war crimes committed during Liberia's civil wars. You may remember that in
May 2005, a representative of Human Rights Watch traveled to Monrovia to present this material, brief members of the commission, and
provide copies of all of our work on Liberia dating back to 1989.
Click here to read more »
June 16, 2009
Dear Commissioner:
Human Rights Watch believes that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) stands to make an extremely meaningful contribution
to helping Liberia recover from more than 12 years of brutal conflict. The level of public participation and myriad issues addressed in
your commission's public hearings are encouraging. As you work to implement the part of your mandate related to accountability - to
recommend for prosecution the most serious abuses of human rights - we write to offer some insights into how best you may carry this
important effort forward.
Last month, you conducted country-wide consultations on what recommendations the TRC should include in its final report to be
released later this year. We were heartened by the overwhelming level of popular support for accountability expressed during these
consultations. Indeed, on May 22, the TRC spokesman said, "The population believes that to strengthen the rule of law, individuals who
bear the greatest responsibilities of atrocities committed during the war should be prosecuted.... They have asked for the establishment
of a war crimes court the same way it was done in Sierra Leone and this is just what we will do." This follows preliminary findings from
January 24, 2009, which stated that the commissioners have "determine[d] that a criminal court with the competence and jurisdiction to
adjudicate criminal responsibility" for serious crimes in violation of domestic and international law "is appropriate."
Human Rights Watch believes that justice and accountability for serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law,
like those committed during Liberia's armed conflicts, is essential for several reasons: to bring justice to the victims, to punish the
perpetrators, and to build respect for the rule of law. This is especially true for societies that have been devastated by conflict, such as
Liberia. Prosecutions for serious crimes - such as war crimes and crimes against humanity - are moreover required by international law.
Human Rights Watch has assessed efforts to ensure justice for atrocities around the world, including in Cambodia, the Democratic
Republic of Congo, Iraq, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, and the former Yugoslavia. As you consider options for ensuring
accountability for the victims of serious crimes in Liberia, we hope to draw from this experience to share lessons learned on ensuring
fair and effective trials.
Human Rights Watch has conducted in-depth research on Liberia since 1989, publishing more than a dozen full-length reports and
numerous other documents on human rights violations and war crimes committed during Liberia's civil wars. You may remember that in
May 2005, a representative of Human Rights Watch traveled to Monrovia to present this material, brief members of the commission, and
provide copies of all of our work on Liberia dating back to 1989.
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR. JOSEPH N. BOAKAI, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
AT THE 64th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
Mr. President:
Liberia continues to make steady progress under the excellent and indefatigable leadership of Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, since her inauguration in January 2006, as the first democratically elected woman Head of State of an African country. The
government has undertaken a number of important initiatives, aimed at enhancing national dialogue and reconciliation. On June 30, 2009,
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission submitted an unedited report, which did not gain the unanimous consent of the Commission,
since two members issued dissenting views. The Report, nonetheless, since its release, has spurred national debate, and the President
has committed herself to working with all stakeholders for the implementation of the recommendations, which must be in consonance
with the Commission's mandate, the wishes of the Liberian People, and the laws of our Country.
In order to protect the fundamental rights of the Liberian people, the President has also nominated members of the Independent Human
Rights Commission, which will have the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the TRC Report. Under the Liberian
Constitution, the nominees must meet the consent of the Liberian Senate, and that process is currently underway. We have also
established the Land Commission and its Commissioners have been appointed to address the explosive issues of land disputes and the
need for Land reform.
We note with satisfaction the achievement of the national disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR)
Programme carried out in conjunction with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). This programme was successfully
concluded in July of this year. High unemployment especially among the youth, however, remains a major challenge.
Liberia is pleased with the progress being made in the reconstitution of the Armed Forces of Liberia, involving the training of 2,000
strong Army, with the assistance of our development partners particularly, the United States of America. Notwithstanding, we continue
to encourage gender sensitivity in this important area of national endeavour, considering that only 58 women presently form part of the
new force.
We are pleased to report that Liberia has continued to make significant strides in the administration of justice and rule of law, in spite of
daunting obstacles. We have established a special sexual and gender based violence crimes court, which has begun hearing cases and
encouraging victims to come forth and report in the spirit of confidentiality and justice.
Click here to read more »
AT THE 64th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009
Mr. President:
Liberia continues to make steady progress under the excellent and indefatigable leadership of Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, since her inauguration in January 2006, as the first democratically elected woman Head of State of an African country. The
government has undertaken a number of important initiatives, aimed at enhancing national dialogue and reconciliation. On June 30, 2009,
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission submitted an unedited report, which did not gain the unanimous consent of the Commission,
since two members issued dissenting views. The Report, nonetheless, since its release, has spurred national debate, and the President
has committed herself to working with all stakeholders for the implementation of the recommendations, which must be in consonance
with the Commission's mandate, the wishes of the Liberian People, and the laws of our Country.
In order to protect the fundamental rights of the Liberian people, the President has also nominated members of the Independent Human
Rights Commission, which will have the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the TRC Report. Under the Liberian
Constitution, the nominees must meet the consent of the Liberian Senate, and that process is currently underway. We have also
established the Land Commission and its Commissioners have been appointed to address the explosive issues of land disputes and the
need for Land reform.
We note with satisfaction the achievement of the national disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR)
Programme carried out in conjunction with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). This programme was successfully
concluded in July of this year. High unemployment especially among the youth, however, remains a major challenge.
Liberia is pleased with the progress being made in the reconstitution of the Armed Forces of Liberia, involving the training of 2,000
strong Army, with the assistance of our development partners particularly, the United States of America. Notwithstanding, we continue
to encourage gender sensitivity in this important area of national endeavour, considering that only 58 women presently form part of the
new force.
We are pleased to report that Liberia has continued to make significant strides in the administration of justice and rule of law, in spite of
daunting obstacles. We have established a special sexual and gender based violence crimes court, which has begun hearing cases and
encouraging victims to come forth and report in the spirit of confidentiality and justice.
Click here to read more »
Liberia’s TRC Presents Final Report
Montserrado County, Liberia
29 June, 2009
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) Tuesday presented its final report containing findings, determinations and
recommendations made by the Commission to the National Legislature.
The report contains major findings on: the root causes of the conflict, the impact of the conflict on women, children and the generality
of the Liberian society; responsibility for the massive commission of Gross Human Rights Violations (GHRV), and violations of
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL) as well as Egregious Domestic Law Violations (EDLV).
The report also determined and recommended that Criminal Prosecution for these violations, Reparations and a “Palava Hut” Forum is
necessary and desirable to redress impunity, promote peace, justice, security, unity and genuine national reconciliation.
Findings and recommendations of the report and a summary of the major findings, determinations and recommendations will be
published in at least three major local daily newspapers shortly.
The TRC was agreed upon in the August 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Accra and created by the TRC Act of 2005. The
TRC was established to “promote national peace, security, unity and reconciliation,” and at the same time make it possible to hold
perpetrators accountable for gross human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law that occurred in Liberia
between January 1979 and October 2003.
Click here to read more »
Montserrado County, Liberia
29 June, 2009
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) Tuesday presented its final report containing findings, determinations and
recommendations made by the Commission to the National Legislature.
The report contains major findings on: the root causes of the conflict, the impact of the conflict on women, children and the generality
of the Liberian society; responsibility for the massive commission of Gross Human Rights Violations (GHRV), and violations of
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL) as well as Egregious Domestic Law Violations (EDLV).
The report also determined and recommended that Criminal Prosecution for these violations, Reparations and a “Palava Hut” Forum is
necessary and desirable to redress impunity, promote peace, justice, security, unity and genuine national reconciliation.
Findings and recommendations of the report and a summary of the major findings, determinations and recommendations will be
published in at least three major local daily newspapers shortly.
The TRC was agreed upon in the August 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Accra and created by the TRC Act of 2005. The
TRC was established to “promote national peace, security, unity and reconciliation,” and at the same time make it possible to hold
perpetrators accountable for gross human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law that occurred in Liberia
between January 1979 and October 2003.
Click here to read more »
LMC Sharpens ICT Skills of Community Radios in Liberia
Monrovia, July 13, 2009
A two week Information Communication Technology (ICT) workshop aimed at broadening the computer and digital editing skills for
community radio broadcasters, got underway at the Liberia Media center in Monrovia.
The workshop which brings together 14 participants from 10 partner community radio stations of the Liberia Media Center is being
conducted under the center’s INFORMOTRAC project which is funded by the Radio Netherlands Training Center (RNTC).
Making remarks during the official opening of the workshop, the Executive Director of the Liberia Media Center, Lawrence Randall,
lauded RNTC for sponsoring the training, and admonished the participants to take advantage of the two weeks workshop in order to
sharpen production and computer skills.
Participants from the workshop were selected LMC partner stations in Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Sinoe, and Rivercess Counties in
rural Liberia.
Click here to read more>>
Monrovia, July 13, 2009
A two week Information Communication Technology (ICT) workshop aimed at broadening the computer and digital editing skills for
community radio broadcasters, got underway at the Liberia Media center in Monrovia.
The workshop which brings together 14 participants from 10 partner community radio stations of the Liberia Media Center is being
conducted under the center’s INFORMOTRAC project which is funded by the Radio Netherlands Training Center (RNTC).
Making remarks during the official opening of the workshop, the Executive Director of the Liberia Media Center, Lawrence Randall,
lauded RNTC for sponsoring the training, and admonished the participants to take advantage of the two weeks workshop in order to
sharpen production and computer skills.
Participants from the workshop were selected LMC partner stations in Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Sinoe, and Rivercess Counties in
rural Liberia.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
President since 16 January 2006
President since 16 January 2006
Joseph Nyumah Boakai
Vice President since 16 January 2006
Vice President since 16 January 2006
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
President since 16 January 2006
President since 16 January 2006