A/HRC/7/67 page 2 Summary The present report contains the findings of a mission that the independent expert undertook to Liberia from 20 to 29 September 2007. Over the course of the 10-day mission, the independent expert met high-level representatives of the executive, legislative and the judiciary, government officials, civil society, United Nations agencies and funds, some traditional rulers and the diplomatic community. Information received served as valuable inputs for the independent expert’s assessment of progress, as well as concerns, challenges and gaps with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights in Liberia. Considerable progress has been made since the last report in improving security and implementing some aspects of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. The lifting of sanctions by the Security Council on diamond and timber has opened avenues of income for both the public and private sectors. Progress has been made in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The secretariat has been established and an executive secretary recruited. County and district Truth and Reconciliation Commission committees have been set up. However, the Commission continues to face many challenges, which have resulted in delays in statement taking and holding of public hearings. These challenges include structural and budget shortfalls. Serious concerns remain with regard to the rule of law and the judicial system. The discriminatory provisions of the hinterland regulations have not been repealed and some Liberians are still classified as civilized or uncivilized. The weak implementation of the Rape Law is a major concern, as is the persistence of harmful and discriminatory traditional practices, such as trial by ordeal. Female genital mutilation continues to be practised and has not been prohibited by law. The challenges facing the Government and Liberian society as a whole are therefore enormous. While the Government has demonstrated the political will to transform society and has strongly supported poverty reduction schemes for vulnerable groups of the population, support must be forthcoming from the international community in a timely and effective manner to address capacity gaps within government structures. The independent expert concludes the report with a set of recommendations for the Government of Liberia, the international community and the United Nations.