Independent National Commission on Human Rights
INCHR
Summary
The INCHR was established by the INCHR Act of 2005, amended in 2010, as Liberia's national human-rights institution under the Paris Principles. The Commission receives and investigates complaints of human-rights violations by state actors, including the Liberia National Police and Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The INCHR Act grants the Commission authority to access places of detention and gather information, but does not confer subpoena power or the ability to compel testimony or document production from security agencies. Discipline is purely advisory: the INCHR may refer findings to the Legislature, the President, or prosecutorial authorities but cannot impose sanctions. The Commission's membership is civilian and pluralist by statute, with Commissioners nominated through a multi-stakeholder process and appointed by the President with Legislative confirmation for 5-year terms.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- An Act to Establish the Independent National Commission on Human Rights
- Citation
- INCHR Act 2005 (as amended 2010)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All state organs and public officials; investigates human-rights violations including police abuse, excessive force, and conditions of detention in prisons and jails operated by the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation; receives individual complaints; reports to the Legislature and President. Liberia's Paris Principles-accredited NHRI.