President George Manneh Weah has by proclamation declared Thursday, 17 January as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Human Rights Day and is to be observed throughout the nation as a working holiday.
According to a release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday, 16 January, the proclamation orders citizens and foreign residents within the Republic, national and international organizations concerned, as well as government agencies to join the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) in executing appropriate programs to suit the day’s observance.
A Foreign Ministry release reveals that the celebration will take place at the Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor.The event will be held under the international theme: “Promoting Affirmative Actions on the Rights of Girl Child Education” with the national theme: “Take Actions to Protect our Girls from Harmful Traditional Practices”.
“The existence of this day guarantees the promotion, protection and respect for human rights by state parties. It is also an opportunity to reflect and recommit to the solemn undertakings by the ECOWAS and the Liberian people to safeguard human and people’s right,” the release says.
The celebration further intends to awaken greater awareness for the peoples and governments of the ECOWAS about the value of life and humility and to renew the sub region’s collective commitment to protect, respect and uphold fundamental human rights.
The symbolic celebration of the event shows gratitude of partnership and continued collaboration aimed at strengthening the cooperation between the West African States and the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI).
“Meanwhile, Liberia as a founding member of ECOWAS expressed strong commitment to the principles of human rights by establishing an Independent National Commission Rights (INHCR) through an act of the National Legislature in 2005,” the release says.
The proclamation says that the 50th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Head of State of Government of the ECOWAS was convened on 16 December in Abuja, Nigeria to promote human rights and inclusive government mainly with regards to women’s rights.–Press release
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