04/19/2024 – 09:26
— Assures them of Liberia’s ratification of the protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung on Thursday, April 18, 2024, received a high-level delegation from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights at his office on Capitol Hill.
The delegation was led by Hon. Imani Daud Aboud, President of the court, and included Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah, Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cllr. Dempster Brown, Chairman of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights.
The African Court delegation is in Monrovia to seek Liberia’s ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
It can be recalled that Liberia signed the Protocol on June 9, 1998, as one of the torchbearers in the pursuit of justice for the African people, but has not ratified the Protocol since its signature.
Madam Aboud commended Liberia for its leadership role on the African continent, emphasizing that the history of the African Union recognizes Liberia as a major foundational pillar.
She further applauded Liberia for being one of the examples of good governance in Africa and informed Mr. Vice President that the Court seeks to harness the gains made.
“By signing the Protocol, Liberia will re-affirm its commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and give its citizens access to justice,” madam Aboud asserted.
The Head of delegation also intimated that the signing of the Protocol is more than a policy decision, and will solidify Liberia’s leadership stature in the quest for justice and human rights.
In his response, Vice President Koung welcomed the delegation of the court to Liberia while indicating that His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr has asked him to meet with the delegation and assured the Court of this Government’s willingness to ratify the Protocol as soon as possible.
The Vice President highlighted that this ratification will give a clear signal that Liberia adheres to international norms and regains its place amongst the comity of Nations.
He stressed Liberia’s leadership role in the establishment of the AU and called for a symbolic headquarters to be built in Liberia for historical honor.
The declaration for the African Court of Justice was made in July 1979 at the Heads of State Summit held in Monrovia.
The Court was established in June 1998 through the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
The Protocol came into force on January 25, 2004, and has since been ratified by 34 countries.
The Court is the Judicial arm of the African Union for enforcing and protecting human rights.
It has Eleven (11) judges who are all Nationals of member states of the African Union.
