Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has assured a delegation from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights that Liberia will ratify the protocol as soon as possible.
Koung welcomed the delegation to Liberia and indicated that government’s willingness to ratify the document.
Speaking Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Monrovia, the Vice President believes that the ratification of the protocol on human and peoples’ rights will give a clear signal that Liberia adheres to international norms.
He stressed Liberia’s leadership role in the establishment of the African Union (AU) and called for a symbolic headquarters to be built in Liberia.
The high level delegation was led by 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 Imani Daud Aboud commended Liberia for its leadership role on the African continent.
She emphasized that the history of the AU recognizes Liberia as a major foundational pillar.
She applauded Liberia for being one of the examples of good governance in Africa as such, the Court seeks to harness the gains made thus far.
“By signing the Protocol, Liberia will reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and give its citizens access to justice,” Madam Aboud said.
The Head of the African Court’s delegation also intimated that the ratification of the Protocol is more than a policy decision, which she believes will solidify Liberia’s leadership stature in the quest for justice and human rights.
The declaration for the African Court of Justice was made in July 1979 at the Heads of State Summit held in Monrovia.
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 nationals of member states of the African Union.
