–By President Joseph Nyuma Boakai
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has nominated prominent Liberian human rights advocate and President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Cllr. Philomena T. Williams, as a Commissioner of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR). The appointment was announced by the Executive Mansion on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as part of a fresh batch of nominations in his administration.
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights is led by a dedicated team of commissioners appointed to uphold and advance human rights across Liberia. According to the Executive Mansion, Cllr. Williams’ appointment followed the completion of the vetting process by the Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia.
The Foundation for Human Rights and Democracy (FOHRD) has welcomed the nomination of Cllr. Williams, citing her longstanding contributions to women’s rights, access to justice, and human rights advocacy. The organization joined several other individuals and groups in commending the President’s decision to nominate the veteran legal practitioner to the national human rights institution.
Cllr. Philomena Tugbe Williams is a prominent Liberian human rights advocate who serves as the President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia and was re-elected in April 2025 to her second consecutive term. Throughout her career, she has dedicated her efforts to strengthening the rule of law, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting survivor-centered justice in Liberia.
AFELL was established on February 10, 1994, in the midst of the First Liberian Civil War to systematically address severe abuses against women and children. The association is composed exclusively of female legal practitioners, including lawyers, judges, and magistrates, who use their expertise to provide pro bono services to marginalized populations across the country.
Cllr. Williams’ leadership has boosted AFELL’s long-standing mandate to offer free legal representation, advice, and dispute resolution for marginalized populations and indigent individuals. Under her guidance, the institution has continued to drive national impact litigation, policy reforms, and tracking of gender-based violence cases throughout Liberia.
Her leadership has also been instrumental in securing structural legal reforms in Liberia, notably including the passage of the Domestic Violence Act and modernized women’s inheritance laws. These legislative achievements have been widely recognized as significant milestones in the protection of women’s rights and the promotion of gender equality in the country.
Cllr. Williams’ nomination, along with those of other individuals, is subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. Other nominees to the commission include Mr. Shiwoh Kamara as Commissioner, Mr. Domah Cooper as Commissioner, and Cllr. Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh as Commissioner, who was re-nominated to serve another term.
President Boakai has urged the newly nominated and appointed officials to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public service. The President emphasized that the interests of the Liberian people must remain central to their work as they assume their duties at the commission.
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights is Liberia’s national human rights institution, established to promote, protect, and monitor human rights throughout the country. Its creation reflects Liberia’s commitment to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights following years of civil conflict.
The INCHR was established by an Act of the National Legislature of Liberia in 2005 and officially began operations in 2010, following the appointment and confirmation of its commissioners. The establishment of the commission was one of the key recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia, which was created after the country’s two devastating civil wars between 1989 and 1997 and between 1999 and 2003.
The commission was intended to help prevent future human rights abuses by promoting accountability, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity. The INCHR derives its legal authority from the INCHR Act of 2005, which mandates it to function independently of the Executive Branch while cooperating with all branches of government, civil society organizations, and international partners.
The commission’s primary responsibilities include promoting and protecting human rights across Liberia, monitoring and investigating alleged human rights violations, and advising the government on human rights policies and legislation. The INCHR is also tasked with conducting human rights education and public awareness campaigns, receiving and investigating complaints of human rights abuses, and supporting the implementation of international human rights treaties ratified by Liberia.
Additionally, the commission monitors business and human rights issues in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It also promotes transitional justice, peace-building, and national reconciliation as part of its broader mandate to entrench a culture of human rights respect in Liberia.
Over the years, the INCHR has worked on human rights monitoring and reporting, civic and human rights education, election observation and monitoring, and protection of human rights defenders. The commission has also engaged in business and human rights initiatives, transitional justice advocacy, monitoring detention facilities and prisons, and collaboration with civil society organizations and international partners.
The INCHR serves as Liberia’s National Human Rights Institution and works toward compliance with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Paris Principles. These international standards govern the independence and effectiveness of national human rights institutions, and the commission continues to strive toward full compliance with these globally recognized benchmarks.
