Monrovia, Liberia – The Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform (CSO-HRAP) of Liberia, with support from the British Embassy near Monrovia, and key stakeholders have officially launched a significant initiative aimed at abolishing the death penalty in Liberia. The project under the theme “Abolition of the Death Penalty Project” is aimed at increasing public support for the abolition of the death penalty and draw up a clear plan for the ratification and domestication of protocol with all prisoners removed from a “death row” and successful passage of the law through both houses. The longer-term real-world difference will be no further prisoners sentenced to the death penalty and greater public support for non-violent punishment of crimes.
The event which is aligns with the observation of the 22nd anniversary of the “World Day Against the Death Penalty,” marked on October 10, 2024, however is being observed today October 23, 2024.
During the ceremony, Rev. Francis Kollie Board Chair of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia expressed his gratitude for the presence of attendees, emphasizing the project’s objective to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and engage stakeholders from policymakers to grassroots communities—about moving towards a more just and humane society. He asserted that the practices of the death penalty and torture are incompatible with the right to life and the right to be free from cruel and degrading treatment.
“There is a growing consensus for the universal abolition of the death penalty and torture,” Kollie noted, highlighting the importance of Liberia joining global counterparts in this movement. He called for a collective effort from the government and civil society organizations to address these human rights violations. Reflecting on recent legislative progress, Kollie reminded attendees that in July 2022, the Liberian Senate unanimously voted to abolish the death penalty in a significant reform of the penal code. The Senate’s Committee on Judiciary has since recommended the bill aimed at eliminating capital offenses, indicating a shift toward aligning Liberia’s judicial system with global human rights standards.
Kollie underscored the need for expanded human rights advocacy and solidarity, citing that the right to life is a cornerstone of a peaceful society. He echoed biblical teachings, stressing the importance of compassion over condemnation, and reinforcing the belief that mercy should take precedence over punitive measures. He extended heartfelt thanks to partners, supporters, and particularly the British Embassy in Monrovia for their commitment to supporting this cause. Kollie affirmed the collective hope for change and urged collaboration to turn the vision of a death penalty-free Liberia into reality. As the event concluded, he expressed optimism that this initiative would mark the beginning of a new era of justice, one that upholds the dignity and sanctity of every individual’s life.
Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Liberia Neil Bradley, said the United Kingdom is supporting the work of the CSOs, human rights platform of Liberia through the Abolition of Death Penalty project in Liberia. “Today’s program is timely because we are in the month of October, and the international community and the world at large marked the 22nd world day against death penalty.”
Ambassador Bradley said “as we are launching this project today, the UK is committed to the universal abolition of death penalty, we have a long standing policy to opposed to death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principles.”
He further believes that for the fact that the global trends towards abolition of capital punishment continues in all parts of the world today. “We should not be complacent; we believe that these acts undermine human dignity, we need to make community safer, to serve as a deterrent to crimes.”
By 2005, Liberia ascended to the second optional protocol to the international convenient on civil and political rights. Under the protocol Liberia is require to imposed a moratorium on execution and also to amend its laws to eliminate the death penalty. He noted that through the project the consultations and engagement with key stakeholders, and solicit public support for the abolitions of the death penalty and to identify a pathway for the ratification and domestication of the protocol.
Dempster Brown is the Chairperson of the Independence National Human Rights Commission (INHRC), death the institution has over the years been trying to engage the national legislature to amend the act that calls for death penalty in Liberia. What we have noticed over the years is that “the house of Representatives and the house of Senates are suffering from indecision as to the amendment, ratification of the act.” This he attributed to what he called cultural influence.
Commissioner Brown noted “in the rural part of the country, people practices what he called informal justice system which is Eye for and Eye and Tooth for a Tooth” this is the problem that we have.
Liberia has affixed its signature to all protocols including the abolition of the death penalty, what we are doing now is to continue to engage the legislature to ensure this is acted upon. “But the fear here is that if for any reason as a representative of a district in a county allows a killer to go free next election year you might not be elected this has been the fear, “he added.
Reported by: Simeon S. Wiakanty
Contact: +231881538878
