In a nation struggling to reconcile its historical injustices with its future aspirations, Liberia stands at a critical juncture with the ongoing discussions surrounding the abolition of the death penalty.
The recent one-day validation process, organized by the Ministry of Justice, the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform, and supported by the British Embassy in Monrovia, underscored the complexity and urgency of this issue.
It has become increasingly clear that Liberia’s failure to finalize this key piece of legislation not only threatens its international human rights commitments but also perpetuates a disjointed legal system that undermines the very principles it seeks to uphold.
At the heart of this validation process was a compelling call to action by the Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights. With seasoned clarity, Cllr. Dempster Brown highlighted that the legislative push for the abolition of the death penalty has been far too slow. He pointed out that some lawmakers have been more interested in politicizing the issue for electoral gain rather than taking decisive action on behalf of the people they are meant to represent. This failure to act sends a deeply troubling message about the priorities of those in power. While the citizens of Liberia cry out for justice, the political class remains preoccupied with the trivialities of electoral promises rather than tackling the pressing human rights challenges that continue to scar the nation.
The reality is stark. Liberia has long been a de facto abolitionist state, with the last recorded execution occurring nearly 20 years ago. Despite this, the legal framework still holds on to a provision for the death penalty. This contradiction, embedded within the country’s laws, is a glaring symbol of Liberia’s struggle to fully embrace international human rights standards. The second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights mandates the abolition of the death penalty, and Liberia, as a signatory, has a responsibility to adhere to this commitment. Yet, years of inaction have only deepened the sense of frustration among human rights activists and the broader public.
During the validation process, the Deputy Minister for Codification at the Ministry of Justice, Cllr. Cora Hare-Konuwa, made it clear that Liberia’s commitment to its international obligations should not be taken lightly. She emphasized that the death penalty must be abolished in accordance with the global norms that prioritize the sanctity of life and human dignity. However, her words were hollow without the corresponding action from lawmakers. The lack of urgency in addressing this matter speaks volumes about the failure of the Boakai administration to prioritize human rights over political maneuvering.
