Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) Chairperson Cllr. T. Dempster Brown indefinitely has raised grave concerns among Liberia’s human rights community and civil society organisations. They have warned that this action could jeopardize the independence of the nation’s human rights institution.
The Human Rights Community and Civil Society Platform of Liberia questioned certain aspects of the President’s actions, including as the nomination of a temporary chairman, but it welcomed enquiries into claims against Brown, according to a press statement released on June 28.
On June 26, President Boakai placed Brown on unpaid leave until investigations into accusations of wrongdoing made by other commissioners were conducted. Commissioners accused Brown of forging their signatures on a writ of habeas corpus petition submitted to the Supreme Court in November 2024 without their permission, according to the Executive Mansion. The complaints also claimed that Brown illegally withheld commissioners’ salaries and neglected to call board sessions for almost two years.
The Ministry of Justice was then instructed by the president to look into the claims. The human rights community, however, stated that even while the charges are serious and should be looked into, the procedure must be carried out impartially and openly. According to the statement, “the human rights community and civil society view these allegations as grave and welcome the investigation with concerns.”
The groups claimed that the Supreme Court had previously sided with Brown in a decision pertaining to the suspension of commissioners’ salaries. The statement claims that because some commissioners were reportedly getting paid without showing up for work, the court determined that Brown had acted legally.
The INCHR Act and long-standing institutional tradition suggest that the Commission’s co-chairperson should take on leadership duties in the absence of the chairperson, according to civil society actors who also questioned the nomination of an interim chairman. The statement stated that the co-chairperson ought to have been appointed to act instead of a commissioner who is involved in the underlying accusations.
In order to guarantee credibility, objectivity, and public trust, the groups also demanded that civil society organizations be included in the investigation process. These issues coincide with a crucial time when Liberia’s legislature is getting ready to discuss the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court legislation. The organisations cautioned that Liberia’s transitional justice goal, international standing, and public trust in accountability institutions might all be impacted by moves seen to jeopardize the INCHR’s independence.
According to the statement, Liberia’s transitional justice initiatives, international reputation, and public trust might all be impacted by actions that compromise the independence and perceived neutrality of the country’s human rights institution at this delicate time. The Human Rights Community and Civil Society Platform reiterated its dedication to an autonomous and efficient INCHR that upholds the Paris Principles and provides unbiased, fearless service to all Liberians.
Adama Kiatamba Dempster, National Secretary General of the Human Rights Community and Civil Society Platform and Global Human Rights Ambassador, signed the declaration. While the administration insists that the suspension is meant to preserve accountability, openness, and the rule of law, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Justice would move on with investigations into the accusations against Brown.
