INCHR Moves to Restore Public Trust Following Internal Wrangling

Monrovia, Liberia: The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has announced a series of institutional reforms aimed at restoring public confidence and rebuilding relationships with international partners following internal leadership challenges that weakened the Commission’s credibility.

Acting Chairperson Cllr. Mohammed Fahnbulleh disclosed Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing that internal wrangling and other irregularities had undermined the institution’s integrity, affecting its ability to secure support from key international partners, including the European Union and United Nations agencies.

Fahnbulleh said the Commission, which is mandated to independently protect and promote human rights in Liberia, must address its internal challenges to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

He acknowledged that the institution’s credibility is essential to its work, particularly in holding duty-bearers accountable and protecting the rights of people regardless of their social status, religious beliefs, or political affiliation.

The Acting Chairperson said his administration is now prioritizing accountability, transparency, staff discipline, and institutional reforms to restore confidence in the Commission.

As part of the reform process, the INCHR is introducing measures to improve staff performance, strengthen human resource management, and ensure employees fulfill their assigned responsibilities.

Fahnbulleh said the Commission is developing clearer staff work plans and implementing a performance management system to improve efficiency and accountability across its operations.

The institution has also introduced human resource software to monitor staff attendance and leave.

Beginning November 1, 2026, all employees will be required to clock in and out as part of efforts to strengthen workplace discipline and ensure compliance with established administrative procedures.

The Acting Chairperson said the measures form part of a broader effort to improve the Commission’s working environment and ensure that its personnel remain focused on the institution’s statutory mandate.

He also cited adherence to staff terms and conditions of work and the holding of regular board meetings as important components of the ongoing institutional reforms.

Fahnbulleh said the Commission’s previous internal challenges had affected its relationship with international partners, some of which declined to provide support.

He disclosed that his administration has since engaged the European Union, United Nations agencies, and other partners as part of efforts to rebuild confidence and restore cooperation.

The renewed engagement is intended to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to carry out human rights monitoring, public education, and other activities aimed at protecting the rights of people throughout Liberia.

However, the restoration of those partnerships will depend in part on the Commission’s ability to demonstrate improved accountability, transparency, and institutional stability.

Fahnbulleh emphasized that regaining public trust and international credibility remains critical to the effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate.

Meanwhile, the INCHR has completed its 2025 Annual Human Rights Report, which is expected to be submitted to the Legislature.

The report is intended to document human rights issues and contribute to national efforts to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights.

The Commission is also expanding public awareness campaigns on domestic and sexual violence through radio broadcasts and social media platforms.

The campaigns are intended to improve public understanding of human rights violations, encourage reporting, and promote greater awareness of the protection mechanisms available to victims.

The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader responsibility to promote respect for human rights and ensure that violations receive appropriate attention.

In another development, Fahnbulleh disclosed that the Commission has secured land in Lofa County for the establishment of a memorial honoring victims of wartime massacres.

The proposed memorial is expected to serve as a place of remembrance for victims and preserve the memory of atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflict.

The Acting Chairperson also said the Commission is advocating for a US$250,000 government contribution to establish a Victims’ Trust Fund for war victims.

The proposed fund is intended to support efforts to address the needs of victims, although further details regarding its implementation and administration were not provided in the information presented at the briefing.

The initiatives underscore the Commission’s continuing role in promoting human rights, acknowledging victims’ experiences, and advancing efforts to address the consequences of past violations.

Fahnbulleh further disclosed that the INCHR will strengthen monitoring of prison conditions as part of efforts to ensure that detention facilities respect the fundamental rights and dignity of inmates.

The Commission will also investigate reports concerning poor conditions at public children’s homes.

The planned monitoring is intended to identify possible human rights concerns and encourage improvements in the treatment and welfare of vulnerable populations.

The Commission’s responsibilities extend beyond responding to individual complaints to include monitoring institutions and promoting compliance with national and international human rights standards.

The reforms come as the INCHR seeks to rebuild its standing as an independent institution responsible for protecting and defending human rights across Liberia.

Under its statutory mandate, the Commission is expected to operate independently of government influence while ensuring that human rights are respected and protected throughout the country.

Fahnbulleh said restoring the institution’s credibility is necessary for it to carry out that responsibility effectively.

The success of the reforms will ultimately depend on their consistent implementation, transparent reporting, and the Commission’s ability to demonstrate measurable improvements in accountability and human rights protection.

For an institution tasked with defending the rights of all persons in Liberia, rebuilding public trust remains central to its ability to carry out its mandate.