The story of UNMIL [Book]: Human rights due diligence policy enacted

Detainees inside their cell at Central Prison in Monrovia. Photo: Eric Kanalstein | UNMIL | 10 Jul 05

13 Apr 2018

The story of UNMIL [Book]: Human rights due diligence policy enacted

The Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), adopted in July 2011, requires all United Nations entities to be diligent in  ensuring that support to non-UN security forces is provided in  a manner that is in compliant with, and promotes respect for,  international human rights and humanitarian laws. This requires   UN entities providing support to: a) carry out a risk assessment evaluating the potential risks and benefits involved in the provision or withholding of support; b) engage transparently with the receiving entities about the UN's legal obligations and core principles governing the provision of support; and c) develop an effective implementation framework.

In accordance with UNMIL’s various mandates, particularly UN Security Council resolution 2333, the Mission has been supporting the Liberian security agencies to protect civilians in the event of a deterioration of the security situation that could risk a strategic reversal of peace and stability. The Mission has advised and helped the security institutions including the Liberia National Police to develop leadership, internal management, and accountability mechanisms in compliance with the spirit of the policy.

 From 2013 to 2017, including the Ebola period, UNMIL Human Rights undertook activities to disseminate the policy, targeting primarily the UN Country Team and embassies in Monrovia, to ensure a common approach to HRDDP. UNMIL conducted further trainings on human rights and the policy for Liberian security forces and civil society organizations.

UNMIL Human Rights developed the first integrated standard operating procedure on the implementation of HRDDP for the Mission and the UNCT. It also created an operational synergy between the protection of civilians and human rights mandates. This approach led to a common understanding and successful implementation of HRDDP and the protection of civilians in Liberia.