Liberia
Liberia is currently in a significant transitional phase following the 2024 inauguration of President Joseph Boakai. As of early 2026, the human rights landscape is dominated by a historic push for transitional justice, alongside persistent challenges regarding police conduct and gender-based violence.
1. Transitional Justice: War and Economic Crimes Courts
After decades of delay, Liberia has taken concrete steps toward addressing the atrocities of its two civil wars (1979–2003).
Establishment of Courts: In late 2025, the government finalized a roadmap to establish a National Anti-Corruption Court (projected to be fully operational by November 2026) and a War and Economic Crimes Court (expected to follow in 2027).
The Impunity Gap: For years, former warlords held significant political power, blocking accountability. The 2024–2025 period saw a shift in political will, though campaigners warn that "residual" political influence and limited international funding remain hurdles to successful prosecutions.
Evidence Gathering: An Independent Investigation Unit was proposed in early 2026 to begin the task of preserving decades-old evidence and protecting witnesses.
2. Police Brutality and Arbitrary Detention
The conduct of the Liberia National Police (LNP) remains a major area of concern for international observers.
Use of Excessive Force: Throughout 2025, security forces were accused of using excessive force to disperse protests, including clashes with supporters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Detention Conditions: Prisons in Liberia, particularly the Monrovia Central Prison, suffer from "harsh and life-threatening" conditions. Overcrowding, lack of food, and inadequate medical care are systemic, with many detainees held for years in pretrial detention without a court date.
Corruption: Petty corruption within the police force continues to obstruct access to justice, as many citizens are forced to pay "fees" to have crimes investigated or to secure the release of relatives.
3. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
SGBV remains a pervasive and underreported crisis in Liberia, often described by activists as a "shadow pandemic."
High Incidence of Rape: Rape is one of the most frequently reported crimes. Reports from the Ministry of Gender in late 2025 indicated that over 75% of SGBV cases involved minors under the age of 18.
Legal Ineffectiveness: While Liberia has a specialized court (Court E) for sexual violence, its effectiveness is crippled by a lack of judges and a backlog of cases. Fewer than 2% of reported cases currently result in convictions.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Despite a three-year moratorium and increasing pressure from the UN during Liberia's November 2025 Universal Periodic Review, FGM is not yet officially criminalized by statute. It remains a deeply entrenched practice in rural "secret societies."
4. LGBTQ+ Rights and New Legislation
The environment for LGBTQ+ individuals has grown increasingly precarious due to new legislative threats.
Criminalization: Same-sex sexual activity is currently a misdemeanor under the 1976 Penal Law ("voluntary sodomy"), punishable by up to one year in prison.
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill: In late 2024 and 2025, a new "Anti-Homosexuality Law" was introduced in the House of Representatives. If passed, it would significantly increase penalties, potentially including life imprisonment.
Societal Violence: Human rights groups (like LIPRIDE) reported a spike in "mob justice" and extortion against LGBTQ+ individuals in 2025, fueled by high-profile political rhetoric against "non-traditional" values.
5. Media Freedom and Self-Censorship
While Liberia has a vibrant media scene, journalists face increasing legal and physical pressure.
Harassment: Journalists covering government corruption or the new War Crimes Court have reported threats and physical harassment from state officials and security agents.
Financial Pressure: In 2025, the government was accused of withholding state advertising revenue from media outlets that were critical of the administration, a tactic rights groups describe as "soft censorship."
Recent Development
In January 2026, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a report praising the peaceful conduct of the 2025 Nimba County by-elections but noted that "divisive and discriminatory messages" by candidates remain a threat to national stability.