— As OHCHR held one day dialogue for stronger national and regional collaboration for enhanced human rights advocacy and fight against corruption
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Liberia, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has urged stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies in the fight against corruption while reinforcing human rights for all citizens.
Cllr. Tweh, who spoke Thursday, at a one-day dialogue organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia, emphasized the need for collective commitment, integrity, and accountability to tackle corruption, which he described as a pressing issue in the region.
“Let us be champions of justice, moving beyond mere compliance to embracing courageous commitment. This is an opportune moment for us to unite in the battle against corruption and reinforce human rights across our nations,” Cllr. Tweh stated.
According to him, it is now time for action against corruption in Liberia and sub-region.
The dialogue, held on September 25, aimed to strengthen national and regional collaboration for enhanced human rights advocacy and a unified fight against corruption.
In his opening remarks, Christian Mukosa, OHCHR Country Representative, highlighted that corruption creates instability and insecurity, underscoring its detrimental impact on societal well-being.
“Corruption is a significant root cause of instability in our region, and it is imperative that we adopt a human rights-based approach to combat this issue. If not addressed, corruption poses a serious threat to the future of our nation,” Mukosa warned.
He called for sustained support for national human rights commissions and anti-corruption institutions, recognizing their vital role in promoting human rights and accountability.
Further emphasizing the negative consequences of corruption, Christine Umutoni, United Nations Resident Coordinator, outlined how it undermines national development initiatives and hampers economic growth.
She stressed the importance of establishing regional mechanisms to provide redress for victims of human rights violations, including economic and social rights.
“Strengthening regional collaboration is essential for ensuring accountability for human rights violations and combating corruption,” Umutoni asserted. She encouraged participants to unite and work together to tackle these pressing challenges.
Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), represented the commission at the dialogue. She reiterated the importance of translating discussions into actionable strategies and committed to fostering tangible cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone in the fight against corruption.
“Aligning our policies with international standards and strengthening regional frameworks that bind us together is crucial. We must empower our people to stand against corruption and demand their fundamental human rights,” Cllr. Zoe emphasized.
Echoing these sentiments, Cllr. T. Dempster Brown, Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, called for greater efforts to combat corruption and protect human rights.
He highlighted the alarming impacts of corruption on citizens and advocated for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia to ensure justice for past atrocities.
“The impacts of corruption and human rights violations on our people are profound. We must act decisively to address these issues,” Cllr. Brown remarked.
The dialogue concluded with a commitment to develop key recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges of corruption and human rights violations within the region, fostering a collaborative and effective approach to these critical issues.
