Bloh Town, River Cess County, June 17, 2025 – The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to officially hand over a newly constructed memorial site in Bloh Town, River Cess County, this Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The site honors the memory of nearly 400 civilians — including men, women, and children — who were brutally killed in Bloh Town on January 15, 1994. The massacre, allegedly carried out by fighters believed to be from the Liberia Peace Council (LPC), stands as one of the deadliest single-day killings during Liberia’s civil conflict.
Construction of the memorial site began three years ago as part of a wider national effort to recognize victims of war and promote healing through remembrance. According to INCHR, the site serves as a symbol of justice, dignity, and a step toward national reconciliation.
“The dedication of this site is a moment of reflection, a time to honor those who lost their lives so tragically, and a reminder of the importance of peace and justice in Liberia,” an INCHR representative stated ahead of the event.
Eyewitness accounts and historical reports suggest that some victims were buried in a mass grave, while others were left unburied in the aftermath of the massacre. The tragedy affected both residents and non-residents who had sought refuge in the area during the conflict.
The dedication ceremony is expected to be attended by dignitaries from the Embassies of Sweden and Ireland, as well as several government officials and local leaders. Family members of the victims and community residents will also be present to witness the event.
The Bloh Town massacre is one of several atrocities that occurred in River Cess County between 1990 and 2003. The INCHR and its partners say memorial sites like this one are critical for acknowledging the past, supporting survivors, and ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the INCHR and UNDP to support transitional justice and human rights in post-conflict Liberia.
