MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Independent National Commission of Human Rights (INHCR) has achieved “A” status for its work to improve human rights issues in Liberia.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, an international monitoring organization for human rights institutions, upgraded the INHCR to “A” status after years of evaluation.

The “A” status means that the Liberian Human Rights Commission has complied with the 1993 Paris Principle that calls for national human rights institutions to be independent in monitoring and investigating human rights violations.

Announcement in Monrovia on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, INCHR Chairman, Cllr. Dempster Brown, said:” The upgrade signifies that Liberia has respect for human rights and the rule of law.”

Cllr. Dempster Brown described the feat as a landmark achievement for the Independent National Commission of Human Rights and Liberia.

At the same time, the INCHR and Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders are calling on the Government of Liberia to disengage from every form of interference at the Human Rights Commission.

But, addressing the issue Cllr. Dempster Brown said the move is against the Standard Operating Procedure of the Commission.

For his part, the Chairman of the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, Neidoteh Torbor, said:” The interference by the Government to investigate the Human Rights Commission’s internal wrangling saga amounts to compromising the independence of the Commission.”

Mr. Torbor has, meanwhile, called for the protection of human rights defenders in Liberia, as the country has entered a critical period of rights advocacy.

By: Jarp Davies/Dorbor Harris