UN supports Liberia National Police through training on Human Rights and Policing in Electoral Context

The Liberia National Police, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has initiated a three-day security management training program for officers of various security agencies. The focus of this training is on Human Rights and Policing in the context of the upcoming elections. 

The training will target Election Security Officers throughout the country, beginning with training for 30 pre-existing trainers who will be responsible to cascade the trainings in the 6 police regions covering the 15 counties of Liberia. Additionally, separate trainings will be held for commanders at the Country and Zone levels and the Formed Police Unit. The event was attended by the UN Resident Coordinator and the project was officially launched by the Deputy Inspector General.

The Inspector General of Police, who also chairs the elections security management committee, has issued a mandate to all joint security officers to maintain absolute neutrality and create a conducive environment to ensure impartial and equal security protection for all political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters before, during, and after the elections.

Deputy Police Commander for Operations, Melvin Sackor, speaking on behalf of the Police IG, assured the public that the security forces will respond robustly to election-related situations. He emphasized that any individuals or groups found violating the rights of others during the electoral processes will be held accountable according to the law.

Sackor stressed the importance of respecting people’s rights during elections to prevent violence and maintain control over the situation. He highlighted that the security forces’ training is not for personal benefit but to serve the people more effectively.

The Ambassador of Ireland, Gerald Considine, praised the vital role of the security forces, particularly the Liberia National Police, during the election, while commending the timely initiative to train security officers on election security management.

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations programs, Christine N. Umutoni, delivered the keynote address during the launching ceremony at the Police Academy in Monrovia on July 31. She emphasized the crucial role of security forces in safeguarding human rights and maintaining peace during elections.

Umutoni emphasized that security agencies are fundamental to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment, which is essential for Liberia’s continued stability. To support this goal, the OHCHR, UNDP, and partners are providing election management training to the Election Security Officers and other joint security officers. The training aims to enhance their capacity to prevent, manage, and respond to potential security threats during the elections.

The initiative supported by the United Nations Peace Building Project, with funding from Sweden, the European Union, and Irish Aid. It is being implemented under the Peace Building Fund titled: “Promoting a peaceful electoral environment and community in Liberia.” This project aims to support peace by addressing conflict prevention, widespread insecurity, human rights violations, and electoral violence before, during, and after the 2023 general elections in Liberia.