Report on the human rights situation in the context of the 2025 Senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections in Liberia’s Nimba County, 22 April and 12 August 2025 January

1. Summary
1.
This report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia summarizes and analyses the human rights situation in the context of the Nimba County Senatorial and District 5 House of Representatives by-elections that took place on 22 April and 12 August 2025, respectively.
2.
Electoral violence and human rights violations in these two elections were highly anticipated considering the polarized political landscape in Liberia at the time and the competition for political legitimacy in Nimba County, particularly following the death of former Senator Prince Johnson, who served as senator for Nimba County from 2006 to 20241.
3.
The analytical approach of this report draws on findings and information collected during monitoring and verification activities conducted by OHCHR between March and August 2025. The report also highlights engagements by OHCHR and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) with key national institutions, notably through the UN’s Liberia Electoral Support Project (2020 –2026). These institutions include the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), the Ministry of Justice, the National Police, and other security forces.
4.
This report also reviews the implementation of recommendations from the OHCHR report on the human rights situation in the context of Liberia’s General Elections and Presidential Run-Off held between 10 October and 14 November 20232 . Some of these recommendations could be actioned before the organization of the Nimba by-elections, including improving accessibility to polling stations and other election-related materials and infrastructure for persons with disabilities; ensuring that all cases of electoral related violence and human rights violations and abuses are promptly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable; and guaranteeing that women participate in public affairs safely and free from gender-based violence.
5.
Finally, the report provides recommendations to the Government, the NEC, and the INCHR, as well as members of the international community, urging them to take coordinated actions to contribute to strengthening respect for, and protection of human rights during elections and the rule of law. It also serves as an advocacy tool to engage various stakeholders, including the highest Liberian authorities.