Human Rights Violations Worsening

By Stephanie M. Duncan

Monrovia- December 12, 2025: The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has described as a troubling rise in human rights violations across Liberia, according to its latest reports that outlined tales of human rights violations nationwide.

The highlights of the report include cases of rape, mysterious deaths, and enforced disappearances dominating incidents reported nationwide.

The Commission said its human rights monitors also documented multiple instances of suspects dying while in police custody—raising renewed concerns about accountability and the conduct of security institutions.

INCHR Chairperson, Cllr. Dempster Brown, read the Report during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Cllr. Brown stressed that the continued spike in rights abuses, particularly sexual violence and unexplained deaths, demands urgent and coordinated national action. He noted that the Commission would intensify its monitoring and engagement with security agencies to ensure improved adherence to human rights standards.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Bornor Varmah, called for collective responsibility in safeguarding human rights in Liberia.

Cllr. Varmah who also serves as President of the Liberia National Bar Association emphasized that the true measure of a nation’s commitment to human rights is not reflected in court victories, but in the equal treatment of all individuals under the law.

“Human rights protection begins with how we treat the most vulnerable among us,” he said. “Every citizen must feel safe, respected, and protected by the justice system.”

This year’s observance was held under the national theme “Human Rights Are Our Everyday Essentials: The Gateway to Democracy.” The ceremony drew a large audience, including members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, civil society representatives, and students from several schools in Monrovia and surrounding communities.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.