A/HRC/9/15 page 2 Summary The present report sets out the findings of a mission that the independent expert undertook to Liberia from 6 to 20 July 2008. Over the course of this mission, the independent expert met high-level representatives of the executive and legislature, government officials, civil society, United Nations agencies and funds, some traditional rulers and the diplomatic community. The information received served as valuable inputs for the independent expert’s assessment of progress, concerns, challenges and gaps with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights in Liberia. This report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 6/31 in which the Council invited the independent expert to submit a final report at the ninth session. For the first time in the history of Liberia, the Government led by President Johnson Sirleaf, has actually brought governance to the people by periodically holding cabinet meetings in the counties. Many ministries are effectively planning programmes taking into account the need for greater control at county level. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is nearing completion of its core activities, with public hearings coming to a close, and an extension of its mandate to December 2008 has been agreed. Furthermore the launching of a judicial training centre, and the possible introduction of paralegals in the very near future, are positive developments in the move to strengthen a weak judiciary. The installation of a new democratically elected Government which took office in January 2006 has led to accelerated progress on a number of human rights and development issues including economic and social rights. Rehabilitation of some schools and hospitals and construction of new premises, the adoption and launching of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper following a consultative process were all much needed achievements. Serious concerns remain however. One of the key defining elements of an effective national human rights protection system is the existence of an effective national independent human rights commission. While acknowledging the progress that has been made since the last report, the independent expert urges the Government to speedily establish this body which should be mandated by the enabling legislation to function in full compliance with the Paris Principles. There is an urgent need for far-reaching reforms in the policing, judiciary and correction sectors. In addition, action needs to be taken to ensure that protective and punitive measures are enforced in relation to the ongoing scourge of sexual violence. The lack of protection for children who represent the future of this nation must be addressed immediately. The persistence of harmful traditional practices which include the inflicting of trials by ordeal on suspected witches and other alleged offenders of local communities, and the practice of female genital mutilation, is a major concern.