The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Liberia has begun rolling out initial activities gradually leading towards the implementation of the National Action Plan On Business and Human Rights.
The National Action Plan On Business And Human Rights was on August 15, 2024 launched by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung in Monrovia thus demonstrating the Government’s political-Will for the full implementation of the key instrument.
As part of the implementation process, stakeholders on Wednesday October 9, 2024 gathered in Buchanan City , Grand Bassa County to begin a technical working session on the implementation of the plan by 2025.
Speaking at the opening of the session, the Country Representative of the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Liberia Christian Mukosa highlights the importance of Civil Society full, active and robust participation and involvement of the process.
” CSOs role in monitoring and investigating is key”, he emphasized.
According to him, the official launch of the National Action Plan On Business and Human Rights by Vice President Koung shows government commitment on how serious they are on respect for Human Rights while dealing with Business.
“It is very important to see government support towards the process , however, the launch is just the beginning of this process”, he pointed out.
The OHCHR boss stressed the importance of the implementation of the document so it can’t be like another document kept on the shelves.
He at the same time pledged his office support to the process whilst encouraging all stakeholders and relevant actors to work collaboratively and in a coordinated manner and form in order to see the full implementation of the plan.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony was Assistant Justice Minister for Economic Affairs, Cllr. Joel Theoway who said the Ministry of Justice as Secretariat to the process has been steadfast to create the needed environment where Human Rights are respected and promoted.
Their role he indicated is critical in setting the legal framework that guides Business operations ensuring that they alien with international standards.
“We gathered here today to reaffirmed our dedication to safeguarding community Land Rights, making work places safer, more inclusive and also ensuring access to justice and sustainable business practices as well as enhancing transparency and accountability “, he added.
Cllr. Theoway told the gathering that these commitments are not mere ones but are intended to shape the future of Liberia.
He wants business practices in Liberia not to only be profitable but just and humane.
As for the Bah-Wah Brownell, Director, Planning, Internal Monitoring and Evaluation of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, he urged all stakeholders and actors to work actively in identifying actions to be developed for effective on ward implementation.
His statement was reechoed by the gender specialist at the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia Berttee Forkpabio who stated that their involvement and participation into the process is key.
“We are happy for our inclusion into this key National process and we take this seriously because it addresses different violations at concessions and communities where we operate and advocate for our people “, she noted.
The document, the WONGOSOL gender specialist, acknowledged the welfare and well-being of the people which she said is commendable.
Meanwhile, the technical working seession is organized and funded by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Liberia as participants at the end of the two days technical working session are expected as part of the initial implementation process to formulate a road map for implementation and a strategy for implementation with emphasis on timeline and roles and responsibilities for each stakeholder and actors ahead of the full implementation in 2025.
