KAKATA, Margibi – A two-year access to justice program for prisoners has been launched in Kakata.

Funded by the Europen Union, the program will be implemented by Humanity for Empowerment and Development or SHED, and the Rural Human Rights Activists Program or RHRAP, in collaboration with the Finn Church Aid. The program aims to promote the rights of prisoners in Lofa, Bong, Nimba, and Margibi.

The U.S. State Department’s 2018 Human Rights Report uncovered several human rights violations in Liberia, including the abuse, harassment, and intimidation of persons in police custody, as well as those seeking police protection. The report said prison conditions were also harsh and at times life-threatening due to overcrowding, failing infrastructure, and inadequate medical care for detainees.

Meanwhile, the access to justice program will seek to promote respect for the rule of law, human rights, and adherence to national and international standards for prisoners, as well as strengthening the capacities of justice actors.

SHED’s project manager, Godo Kolubah, who provided an overview of the project during the official launch ceremony, said the program will help reform the judiciary, where the rights of inmates will be protected at all times.

Kolubah said, as part of the project, inmates will also receive training in basic life skills such as tailoring and carpentry, to help them reintegrate into society after serving their terms.

E.U. representatives and some local officials at the launch of the project. Photo: Emmanuel Degleh

He cautioned law enforcement officers to always treat prisoners with care by respecting their basic rights regardless of the crimes committed.

According to Kolubah, ensuring that the rights of prisoners are observed can be achieved only when stakeholders, including correctional officers, are knowledgeable of the laws and rights of prisoners. He said the program will also focus on building the capacity of other actors in the sector.

He said the E.U.-funded program would also support legal assistance for pre-trial detainees and individuals who are in need of legal services.

“In this project, we will focus on providing [a] pro-bono legal service for those inmates who don’t have money and the ones who have overstayed beyond the statutory period,” he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the director for the Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Justice, Kutaka Tokpah, said the government is working to ensure that prison facilities are improved across the country.

Tokpah called on the public to refrain from stigmatizing individuals who have been freed from detentions, adding that prisons are meant to correct individuals of their previous actions.

He lauded the E.U. for its continuous support to the government in promoting human rights in the country.

The E.U.’s governance and education team leader, Hans Lambrecht, who launched the program on behalf of the mission, emphasized that the project will build the capacity of law enforcement officers, including police and correction officers, legal practitioners, as well as providing awareness to local stakeholders on the rule of law and international human rights standards.

Featured photo by UN Photo/Christopher Herwig