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As the international community meets in New York on 5 and 6 February to discuss post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia, Amnesty International has urged that good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights are given the highest priority. "Protracted conflict has not only destroyed the social and economic fabric of Liberia, it has also eroded the most fundamental human rights," Amnesty International said. "Unwavering political commitment and prompt, generous and sustained funding are needed to meet the ambitious plans for the next two years - not least for the protection and promotion of human rights," Amnesty International added.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AFR 34/003/2004 (Public)
4 February 2004

As the international community meets in New York on 5 and 6 February to
discuss post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia, Amnesty International
urges that good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights
are given the highest priority.

"Protracted conflict has not only destroyed the social and economic fabric
of Liberia, it has also eroded the most fundamental human rights," Amnesty
International said. "Unwavering political commitment and prompt, generous
and sustained funding are needed to meet the ambitious plans for the next
two years - not least for the protection and promotion of human rights,"
Amnesty International added.

Despite the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in August 2003,
hostilities have continued and civilians have continued to be killed,
raped, beaten, used as forced labour and driven from their homes by all
parties to the conflict: the former government of Liberia, the Liberians
United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for
Democracy in Liberia (MODEL). All three groups are now represented in the
National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL).

"A strong message must go out to the signatories to abide by the peace
agreement - including a commitment to end human rights abuses," Amnesty
International said.

Durable peace will not be achieved in Liberia unless those responsible for
crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of
international law are held accountable and justice is achieved for the
victims. The peace agreement provides for a Truth and Reconciliation
Commission but also says that a recommendation for amnesty will be
considered by the NTGL.

"The UN, which is co-hosting the conference, must state explicitly that
there can be no amnesty for crimes under international law and impress
upon those participating in the conference the obligation and imperative
to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice," Amnesty International
said.

While the initial pace of deployment of troops of the UN Mission in
Liberia (UNMIL) was slow, recent weeks have seen significant progress.
Deployment in areas where civilians remain at risk, however, is as yet
only rudimentary.

"The full complement of 15,000 peace-keeping troops, with adequate
logistical support, must be achieved as soon as possible," Amnesty
International said. "Swift deployment throughout the country and effective
implementation of UNMIL's mandate to protect civilians are crucial."

Consolidation of peace, security and the rule of law is dependent on
successful completion of the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration
and rehabilitation program. Of particular concern is the large number of
children associated with fighting forces. It is planned to reunite with
their families or place in community-based care some 15,500 former child
combatants by the end of 2005.

"Adequate resources must be given to the rehabilitation of former child
combatants, including addressing their particular social, psychological
and material needs, in order to ensure early and effective reintegration
into their families and communities," Amnesty International said.

Amnesty International welcomes proposals which aim to protect the rights
of women and girls, including support for those affected by sexual
violence during the conflict.

The Armed Forces of Liberia and elite paramilitary personnel, as well as
loosely defined militia, have been responsible for serious human rights
violations, as have LURD and MODEL combatants, and the police force,
riddled with endemic corruption, has operated as an instrument of
oppression.

"Restructuring and training of the armed forces and the police must
include training in international human rights standards in law
enforcement," Amnesty International said. "There should also be effective
and fair screening programs of recruits to ensure that those alleged to be
responsible for human rights abuses are not absorbed into the new armed
forces and police service."

Judicial institutions throughout Liberia have collapsed; most courts no
longer function and much of the infrastructure has been destroyed and
looted. Corruption and political interference have undermined public
confidence in the judiciary.

"Rehabilitation of the judicial system - both physical infrastructure and
personnel - must be a priority. Adequate and sustained commitment is
needed to ensure the creation of a professional, independent and credible
judiciary," Amnesty International said.

The entire population of Liberia has been affected by the conflict. There
are an estimated 500,000 internally displaced people and several hundred
thousand refugees in neighbouring countries. These groups have been
particularly vulnerable to human rights abuses.

"Ambitious plans to facilitate safe, voluntary and sustainable return of
Liberian refugees and internally displaced people to their homes will
require substantial and long-term injection of resources, including to the
UN High Commissioner for Refugees and non-governmental organizations,"
Amnesty International said.

For further information, please see "Liberia: Recommendations to the
International Reconstruction Conference, New York, 5 and 6 February 2004"
(AI Index: AFR 34/002 /2004)