For Immediate Release


FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS' VIOLATIONS IN LIBERIA DECRIED; ULAA CALLS FOR THE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

The security, police, military and para-military forces of the Liberian Government constantly and flagrantly violate the human rights and civil liberties of Liberians, which constitute the fundament rights provisions of the Liberian Constitution.

Since the ascendancy of Charles Taylor to the presidency of Liberia in July 1997, the people of Liberia have been subjected to the denial of basic freedoms: of association, of assembly, of movement, of thought and conscience, of expression, of speech and the press, and of due process of law.

Hundreds of ordinary citizens, student leaders, media personnel, democracy and human rights' advocates, and political opposition figures have and continue to face a torrent of physical intimidations and harassments, politically-motivated disappearances, torture, and extra-judicial killings, as reported by credible national sources and the international community. A vicious cycle of violence and a culture of lawlessness have taken hold of our national patrimony, which proclaims itself as the "Land of Liberty".

ULAA unequivocally urges President Taylor to urgently create conditions for genuine peace and security, national reconciliation and unification, good governance and rule of law and order, and the transparent dispensation and administration of justice, as required by the Liberian Constitution.

The pathway to curbing the deteriorating state of national affairs is for the Liberian people to take a series of appropriate non-violent actions under the Constitution towards a) bringing pressure to bear on the Liberian Government and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) to cease hostilities and negotiate a political settlement; b) strengthening a weak Legislature dominated by Taylor loyalists; c) reining in the imperial powers of the Taylor Presidency; and, d) making accountable a corrupt and inept Judiciary stacked with Taylor cronies.
 

ULAA calls for the immediate investigation of all rights violations under the watch of President Taylor, including the recent alleged killing of a security personnel on orders of Chucky Taylor, the son of President Taylor and the boss of the notorious Anti-Terrorist Unit. Only an independent panel of international human rights experts and criminal investigators can reveal the facts and truths behind the callous disregard for human life and dignity. Meanwhile, the Liberian Government is obligated to release a detailed report of its investigations and legal actions taken or to be taken against the perpetrators of crimes against hundreds of Liberian citizens from July 1997 to present.

Our Union neither supports the war being waged by LURD or any group nor the mass violence perpetrated by the Liberian Government to stop such war(s). Any war or mass violence by those in power or seeking power in Liberia perpetuates the wanton abuse of fundamental rights, undermines constitutional democracy, inhibits peace and stability, stifles reconciliation and unification, and curtails economic recovery and social development in our homeland. ULAA shall always remain steadfast in its struggle for a democratic and developed Liberia.