-Demands Full Support for Victim
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has commended the leadership of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for dismissing a soldier accused of brutalizing a young female civilian, while demanding comprehensive medical support for the victim and expedited criminal proceedings.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Commission strongly condemned the reported attack, stating that any act of violence, abuse, intimidation, or degrading treatment against civilians by security personnel is a serious affront to human dignity, the rule of law, and fundamental rights guaranteed under Liberia’s Constitution.
While the INCHR welcomed the dismissal of the implicated officer as an important step toward institutional accountability, it stressed that the military’s action must not mark the end of the matter.
“Dismissal from military service must not be treated as the end of accountability,” the Commission stated.
The INCHR is calling on the AFL leadership to ensure the victim receives comprehensive medical care, psychological and psychosocial support, trauma-informed services, and rehabilitation for any physical injuries or emotional harm. The Commission insists that all necessary costs for her recovery be fully covered by the AFL.
Furthermore, the human rights body is urging authorities to implement effective measures to protect the victim from intimidation, harassment, or retaliation throughout the investigation and judicial proceedings. The INCHR emphasized that her dignity, privacy, and safety must remain central to every action taken by the authorities, and that appropriate remedies and reparations must be pursued in accordance with the law.
Reiterating its stance on abuse by security personnel, the Commission noted that members of the security sector bear a heightened responsibility to respect and protect human rights.
“They are entrusted with the duty to protect the public, not to subject civilians to violence, humiliation, intimidation, or degrading treatment,” the release noted, adding that such abuse undermines public confidence in security institutions and weakens the rule of law.
The INCHR is now urging the Government of Liberia, AFL leadership, the Liberia National Police, and relevant prosecutorial and judicial authorities to translate their obligations into decisive action by ensuring a credible and timely criminal process and strengthening institutional safeguards against future violations.
The Commission affirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation within its mandate and advocate for accountability and effective remedies, expecting authorities to demonstrate through concrete action that allegations of abuse by security personnel are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
The release was signed by Cllr. Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh, Acting Chairperson of the INCHR.
