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Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has sounded a loud alarm, calling on the Government of Liberia to take swift and decisive action against persistent human rights abuses highlighted in the United States Government’s 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices for Liberia.
The damning report concluded that there were “no significant changes in the human rights situation” compared to previous years, painting a grim picture of abuses that continue unchecked. According to the report, Liberia remains plagued by arbitrary and unlawful killings, torture, degrading prison conditions, judicial interference, suppression of press freedom, harassment of journalists, widespread corruption, gender-based violence, discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons, and restrictions on workers’ rights.
The LNBA expressed grave concern over the Government’s failure to investigate and hold officials accountable, warning that the ongoing impunity undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust. “Liberia’s democratic progress cannot be sustained if serious human rights violations are ignored year after year,” declared LNBA President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah.
The Bar Association outlined six urgent steps the Government must take, including the prosecution of perpetrators of human rights abuses regardless of political affiliation, strengthening judicial independence to protect courts from political interference, improving prison conditions to meet minimum international standards, promoting press freedom so journalists can operate without fear, combating corruption decisively through transparent investigations, and implementing comprehensive measures against gender-based violence, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice.
The LNBA reaffirmed its readiness to work with civil society, international partners, and state institutions to ensure Liberia transforms into a nation where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all.
Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia has officially acknowledged the publication of the 2024 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on Liberia. In a statement issued Friday, August 15, 2025, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism said the Government has taken note of the issues raised in the report and will conduct a review and analysis of its contents.
The release further disclosed that relevant sector institutions have been mandated to carry out a comprehensive examination of the findings and advise the Government on an appropriate response. As a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Government assured that it takes human rights matters seriously and remains committed to upholding the basic principles of human rights at all times.
The statement also pointed to what it called “gains made since January 2024” in improving governance and protecting the rights of citizens. Signed by Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, the release reaffirmed that Liberia will continue to engage constructively on human rights issues while working toward strengthening democratic governance.
