By H. Matthew Turry
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has commended the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for dismissing a soldier accused of brutally assaulting a young woman but has stressed that the action must be followed by a full criminal investigation, prosecution, and comprehensive support for the victim.
In a statement issued Wednesday, October 21, under the signature of Acting Chairperson Cllr. Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh, the Commission strongly condemned the alleged abuse, describing violence and degrading treatment by security personnel as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
According to the INCHR, any act of violence, intimidation, abuse, or humiliation committed against civilians by members of the security sector constitutes a serious affront to human dignity and undermines the constitutional rights and freedoms guaranteed under Liberian law and international human rights instruments.
The Commission praised AFL leadership for its reported decision to dismiss the soldier implicated in the incident, describing the move as a significant step toward institutional accountability.
“The dismissal sends a clear message that misconduct within the security sector will not be tolerated,” the Commission said.
However, the rights body emphasized that administrative sanctions alone are insufficient to ensure justice.
“Dismissal from military service must not be treated as the end of accountability,” the Commission cautioned, urging authorities to pursue additional measures that address both the welfare of the victim and the need for criminal accountability.
Central to the Commission’s concerns is the condition and recovery of the young woman who allegedly suffered the abuse. The INCHR called on the AFL to guarantee that the victim receives comprehensive medical treatment, psychological care, and rehabilitation services, with all associated costs fully covered by the military.
The Commission noted that such support should extend beyond immediate medical attention and include long-term follow-up care, trauma-informed services, psychosocial counseling, and rehabilitation for any physical, emotional, or mental injuries resulting from the incident.
The rights watchdog further urged authorities to ensure the victim is protected from intimidation, harassment, retaliation, or any other form of harm throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
“The dignity, privacy, safety, and well-being of the victim must remain at the center of all actions taken by the authorities,” the statement noted.
The Commission also called for appropriate remedies and reparations in accordance with Liberian law to assist the victim’s recovery and address the harm she allegedly endured.
Beyond the individual case, the INCHR used the occasion to remind members of Liberia’s security institutions of their heightened responsibility to uphold and protect human rights.
Security personnel, the Commission said, are entrusted with safeguarding the public and must never use their authority to subject civilians to violence, intimidation, humiliation, or degrading treatment.
It warned that abuses committed by those in uniform erode public trust in security institutions and weaken confidence in the country’s justice system and democratic governance.
The Commission subsequently called on the Government of Liberia, AFL leadership, the Liberia National Police, and judicial authorities to ensure a credible and timely criminal process. It also urged authorities to provide sustained support for the victim while strengthening institutional safeguards to prevent similar violations in the future.
The INCHR said it will continue monitoring the matter within its mandate and remains committed to advocating for justice, accountability, effective remedies, and the protection of the victim’s rights.
The Commission added that the authorities now have an opportunity to demonstrate, through swift and decisive action, that allegations of abuse by security personnel will be treated with the seriousness they deserve and that no individual is above the law.
