A/HRC/4/6 page 6 I. DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 2005 A. Security situation 1. By the time of the second report of the independent expert on technical cooperation and advisory services in Liberia (E/CN.4/2006/114), the security situation in general had greatly improved. The Liberian National Police (LNP) is deployed in all counties, as are superintendents. The establishment of local administrations is thus complete. Circuit courts are now established in all counties, though the absence of defence counsel in some counties hampers their proper functioning. 2. The high incidence of sexual assault throughout the country, however, reflects the weakness of the LNP, its inability to adequately police these areas and highlights the urgent need to strengthen the competence and capacity of this branch of the security forces. Providing security for its citizens is a fundamental obligation of the State and all necessary assistance should be given to the State to ensure it is able to discharge this obligation. B. Truth and Reconciliation Commission 3. The establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was provided for in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Accra in 2003. The required national legislation establishing TRC, the Act to Establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC Act), was passed and signed into law in June 2005. The nomination and selection process for the nine national commissioners commenced that August and TRC was inaugurated in February 2006. The ceremonial launch was held in June 2006. 4. The Government of Liberia has led this process by providing US$ 1.4 million in the first year (1 per cent of the national budget) for TRC. The international community has matched this contribution. Funding will be the major challenge in the years ahead and the timely allotment of monies will be critical to effective action. The full establishment of a secretariat for TRC is urgent, so that commissioners do not have to involve themselves with administrative issues and can concentrate on policy matters. The international community also has a key role to play in providing technical advice and expertise. 5. However, there is serious concern that there appears to be a lack of coordination within the commission on programming and activities. The timely elaboration of well conceived programmes and a budget will influence the willingness of donors to make funds available in the future. The disharmony between the commissioners themselves and also with the members of the International Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC) is leading to an incomplete implementation of the TRC Act. This has also resulted in a failure to address some critical issues such as sensitization of both the general public and civil society organizations. The Commission’s outreach efforts to introduce and explain its work to the public will determine its impact and the support of an active and effective civil society. While they will remain independent, these organizations can make valuable contributions to the work of the commission. Such groups must also monitor activities of the commission and provide honest feedback on progress.