Benson Street in downtown Monrovia, Liberia. Photo: Morgana Wingard/UNDP
Although Liberia has made significant progress since the civil war ended, precarious human rights conditions have prompted the United Nations to open an office there early next year to monitor and report on the situation.
“Liberia has progressed dramatically since my last visit just after the brutal civil war,” said UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour after wrapping up a three-day visit to Liberia.
After commending the efforts of the Government and the Liberian people, he noted that the human rights gains are “still precarious, hence the vital need for the UN to continue our support.”
With the main purpose of the visit to establish a UN Human Rights Office in the country, an agreement was signed with the Government for the new office to open in early 2018.
“What we have learned in country after country is that neither peace nor development can be properly sustainable unless they are firmly grounded in human rights,” said Mr. Gilmour.
He expressed his appreciation to Foreign Minister Marjon V. Kamara, with whom he signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the new office, set to open early in 2018.
This office will conduct human rights monitoring and reporting, as well as provide technical assistance to State institutions, the Independent National Commission for Human Rights, civil society and other partners.
Mr. Gilmour highlighted the primary role of the Government in promoting and protecting human rights in Liberia.
During his visit, the senior UN human rights official met with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, cabinet ministers, several leaders of civil society organizations, and foreign ambassadors.
Source: UN News Centre
