An Evaluation of Liberia’s Drug Abuse Law, Protecting and Upholding Human Rights: the Case of Center Street, Monrovia Liberia

Abstract

The issue of drug abuse presents a complex human rights challenge with far-reaching implications for societal stability and well-being. The prevalence of illicit drugs, particularly cocaine and opium, not only fuels criminal activities but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and corruption within Liberia. The study aims to evaluate the current drug abuse law of Liberia with a view to assessing the extent to which it adheres to the tenets of international instruments in protecting and upholding the human rights of drug abusers. The specific objectives of the study include: to analyze the extent to which Liberia's drug abuse law has succeeded in creating awareness among youth about the negative effects of drug use. To evaluate how the existing drug abuse law in Liberia protects and upholds human rights. To assess the alignment of Liberia's drug abuse law with international human rights standards and to identify necessary steps for ensuring greater adherence to these standards. To explore how the drug abuse law aligns with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), considering aspects such as prevention, rehabilitation, and attraction to youth. The study was hinged on the following theories: the human rights theory, and Vulnerability theory. The study used a qualitative approach. The target population included Four Thousand (4,000) to Six Thousand (6,000) drug users in Monrovia who frequent at least One Hundred (100) open consumption scenes known as ghettos. The sample size of the study comprised of Thirty (30) drug abusers and one key informant from each of the three agencies addressing drug abuse in Liberia. The study analyzed the data thematically. The qualitative findings indicate that Liberia's modified drug misuse law has not greatly enhanced youth understanding of the dangers of drug use, with a paucity of instructional programs identified. Enforcement practices have been criticized for failing to sufficiently respect human rights, frequently targeting adolescents disproportionately without providing enough rehabilitative help. Respondents also believe that the law's punitive measures have eclipsed the required educational and rehabilitative techniques, which are critical for long-term healing and social reintegration. In addition, there is an agreement that the law has to be better aligned with international human rights norms, as current practices do not adequately protect the rights of persons afflicted by drug usage