Bomi County – The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) says it will continue fighting harmful traditional practices and culture that violate the rights of individuals.
Report by Edwin Genoway – [email protected]
The acting chairperson of the INCHR, Atty, Bartholomew B. Coley, during his opening speech at the program said the commission will go out to ensure that the rights of its citizens are protected.
He was speaking at program marking the celebration of the International Human Rights Day in Bomi County.
“We will ensure that the veil of tradition and culture that supports discrimination and abuse against children, women and persons with disabilities is pierced,” he noted.
Atty. Colley also called on Liberians and the international community to join in the endeavor of protecting the rights of citizens.
Liberia joined the world on December 10 this year to celebrate International Human Rights Day, which commemorates the Universal Declaration on Human Rights that came into existence in 1948.
The celebration was held under the global theme: “We are all equal in dignity and rights” and the national theme: “Advancing the rights and dignity of children and persons with disabilities”.
The INCHR, which has the statutory mandate to protect and promote human rights, convened the celebration alongside the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), European Union (EU), UN Women, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), among other national and international organizations.
Madam Racardia Badio Dennnis, Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities, lauded the INCHR for selecting her, as a physically challenged person to serve as keynote speaker for the celebration.
She said serving as keynote speaker helps elevate the plight of persons with disabilities.
“I am pleased to serve as keynote speaker for this celebration, I think this will help elevate our platform as people with disabilities in Liberia, I thank the INCHR for this celebration today,” she said.
She also called on Liberians to respect rights of every human that has breath including people with disabilities.
She, however, called on the government to increase its efforts towards persons with disabilities as well as children and women and admonished persons with disabilities to believe in themselves and strive for greater heights.
Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Ms. Agnieszka NAPIERALA thanked the INCHR and other partners for lifting the plights of the vulnerable in society.
She pledged her mission’s continuous support to the promotion and protection of human rights.
“We are committed to supporting human rights all around the world the Swedish government will continue its support for human rights.”
For her part, US Ambassador Christine Elder also pledged her government support to human rights defenders and called on “everyone to do something that will bring about positive change”.
Also speaking, Marcel Akpovo, the Head of UNMIL Human Rights and Protection Service, expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to handle the promotion and protection of human rights after UNMIL departs the country.
The celebration, which was preceded by a proclamation from the President of Liberia, began with a parade through the principle streets of Tubmanburg.
Students and persons with disabilities narrated their experiences with the respect for human rights and advanced recommendations during a panel discussion.
They called for promotion and protection of the rights of children, women and persons with disabilities and ensure equality of rights among all.