The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) of the University of Liberia has petitioned the House of Representatives.
SUP’s petition focuses on two main issues: the human rights violations allegedly committed on July 26, 2022, by the CDC government, and the urgent need to revise all mineral concession agreements in Liberia.
On July 26, 2022, student leaders and activists under the SUP banner gathered near the American Embassy on Benson Street. Their intent was to peacefully protest against the “poor governance and high living costs” under the CDC-led government.
Exercising their constitutional right to assemble and protest, as guaranteed by Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution and Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the protesters sought to voice their discontent.
However, the protest took a violent turn when the a dispatched a team paramilitary unit known as CDC-COP to disrupt the assembly.
The forceful intervention led to numerous injuries and the brutal public humiliation of one their colleagues student Christopher W. Sivili.
The violent suppression of this peaceful protest was a stark violation of both national and international human rights standards.
Nearly two years have passed since this incident, the group believes, no justice has been served. The victims, primarily students and militants of the SUP, continue to bear the physical and psychological scars of that day, while the perpetrators remain at large.
According to SUP, despite President Boakai’s campaign promises to deliver justice, there has been a notable lack of political will to hold those responsible accountable.
SUP’s petition at the same time highlights the exploitation and abuse occurring in Liberia’s mining sectors. Under the CDC government, numerous concessions and mining companies failed to adhere to their Mineral Development Agreements (MDAs), leading to widespread neglect and abuse of local communities and workers.
The SUP cites several instances of labor abuses, poor working conditions, inadequate health services, and failure to empower local Liberians.
A recent incident at the Bea Mountain concession site resulted in the amputation of a young worker, underscoring the dire need for better labor practices and proper compensation mechanisms.
These abuses the group noted are not isolated; they reflect a broader pattern of exploitation that demands immediate attention and reform.
The SUP’s petition, addressed to Hon. Jonathan F. Koffa, Speaker of the House of Representatives, outlines several key demands incly speedy Trial for Human Rights Violations.
The SUP calls for the House to instruct the Ministry of Justice to expedite the prosecution of those involved in the July 26, 2022, attacks and other human rights abuses. This includes ensuring justice for the assault on Christopher W. Sivili and others who suffered that day.
The Students Unification Party (SUP) wants the revision of Mineral Concession Agreements across Liberia.
The student-oriented movement urges a comprehensive review of all mineral concession agreements to ensure compliance with their obligations to the Liberian people.
This includes adherence to Chapter 6, Section 6.6 of the Mineral and Mining Laws of Liberia, which mandates a signed Mineral Development Agreement for any mining operations” , the pro advocacy group indicated.
The petition however demands the government to address continuous labor abuses, unjust dismissals, poor working conditions, inadequate health services, and the lack of empowerment for local Liberians by mining companies.
Recent incidents, such as the amputation of a worker at Bea Mountain, highlight the urgent need for better labor practices and proper compensation mechanisms.
In their petition, the SUP emphasizes the importance of learning from the past.
They attributed the downfall of the CDC regime to its alleged disregard for the cries of the Liberian people and the subsequent international backlash.
The SUP cautions the current government to heed these lessons and act decisively to deliver justice and uphold the rights of all Liberians.
“The regime of Mr. Boakai must learn from these lessons of history and act now to ensure that justice is served and that those accused of crimes face their accusers in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the petition states. The SUP asserts that failure to address these issues will perpetuate suffering and risk further unrest and international condemnation.
SUP’s call for justice and reform is not just about addressing past grievances; it is about building a fair and just society for all Liberians. The SUP envisions a Liberia where social justice, human dignity, and good governance prevail.
They believe that addressing human rights violations and ensuring fair and equitable exploitation of natural resources are crucial steps toward this vision.
