Liberia / Criminal justice system still facing serious challenges

 

MONROVIA, Liberia, December 4, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Daily press briefing by the office of the spokesperson for the UN secretary-general

 

 

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), in its biannual report on human rights in that country, finds progress in several areas, but notes that Liberia’s criminal justice system is still facing serious challenges.  These include the absence of key personnel and inadequate resources for essential rule of law institutions.  Rape and gender-based violence also remain prevalent, while harmful traditional practices, including ritual killings and female genital mutilation, are practiced almost with impunity, the report said.  UNMIL recommends continued international technical assistance and other measures to strengthen the criminal judicial system.  It also calls for a nationwide awareness campaign against harmful traditional practices.

 

 

SOURCE : United Nations – Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General