A/HRC/30/4
Introduction
1.
The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-second session from 4 to 15
May 2015. The review of Liberia was held at the 2nd meeting, on 4 May 2015. The
delegation of Liberia was headed by the Minister of Gender, Children and Social
Protection, Julia M. Duncan-Cassell. At its 10th meeting, held on 8 May 2015, the Working
Group adopted the report on Liberia.
2.
On 13 January 2015, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Liberia: Gabon, the Russian Federation and
Viet Nam.
3.
In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution
5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents
were issued for the review of Liberia:
(a)
A national report (A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/1);
(b)
A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/2);
(c)
A summary prepared by OHCHR (A/HRC/WG.6/22/LBR/3).
4.
A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway,
Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United
States of America was transmitted to Liberia through the troika. These questions are
available on the extranet of the Working Group.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A.
Presentation by the State under review
5.
The delegation of Liberia welcomed the opportunity to interact with other member
States and to discuss how Liberia may continue to move forward in the implementation of
human rights standards. It added that Liberia found this dialogue extremely helpful in
identifying key areas for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
6.
The delegation stated that Liberia had made a number of notable achievements since
its first universal periodic review, four years earlier. In 2011, the country had held its
second peaceful presidential and legislative elections since the end of the civil war in 2003.
7.
The delegation noted that the Government had developed a national security strategy
in light of the anticipated drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Enhancing
human rights compliance within the security sector was an integral part of that strategy.
Ensuring access to justice was also a key component, provided for through the progressive
establishment of regional hubs for justice and security, which would enhance service
delivery, particularly outside Monrovia, the capital city.
8.
The delegation mentioned that Liberia had also implemented a number of policies to
strengthen the rule of law and foster the protection of human rights. These included the
Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, which
contained recommendations made by the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission;
the Agenda for Transformation, which prioritized the development of the justice sector and
addressed cross-cutting issues impacting on human rights and vulnerable groups; and the
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