Monrovia – The calls for the dignity of refugees, returnees and internally displaced people in Liberia filled the room during the official program commemorating the Africa Human Rights Day organized by the Independent National Commission Human Rights (INCHR).
The event held on October 21, 2019, at the Bella Cassa Hotel in Sinkor brought together student groups, Civil Society Organizations, human rights actors couple with both regional and international development partners.
The National theme of the event is respecting the dignity of returnees, refugees and internally displaced people in Liberia while the International theme is upholding the human rights of refugees.
Speaking at the celebration, the Acting Chair of INCHR Rev. Bartholomew B. Colley said the day set up by the Africa Union should reflect on the miseries of returnees, displaced persons and refugees throughout the African continent.
He called on African governments to take concrete actions not only to address their plights of human rights abuses but also to deal with the root causes.
“We firmly believe that African states are under obligation to protect human rights of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons because Africa is a continent disproportionately affected by refugees and internal displacement,” Atty. Colley said.
According to INCHR Acting Commission, African governments must develop a framework to protect the rights of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons in a comprehensive and detailed manner.
He added that African governments should not be covering only conflict-induced displacements but rather the forced movement of people due to natural disasters.
“When displacement occurs, it does not only increase the vulnerability of individuals, families, and communities but also undermines the overall development of affected areas or countries,” Atty. Colley said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Liberia. Rev. Francis S. Kollie said the struggle for human rights should get in full gear.
He added that too many violent are on the increase on the African continent something he said is causing many people to become displaced.
“Too many people are displaced and it is caused by the politicians,” Rev. Kollie said.
“Government must commit itself to the people’s rights. The government must reform some of the law on human rights,” he added.
The Executive Director of Prison Fellowship Liberia further called for the independent of human rights institution adding that they should be avoided of politics.
“Refugees institution should be independent, let them serve their tenure,” Rev. Kollie said.