By Rockson Doe
Harper, Maryland Co., Liberia – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), in collaboration with the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRC), has conducted a one-day security training workshop in Harper aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights among security personnel.
The workshop, held on Friday, August 21, 2026, brought together participants from the Liberia National Police (LNP), AFL, Harper City Corporation (HCC), the LNRC Maryland Chapter, media institutions and communities across Harper District.
The training was jointly facilitated by AFL personnel and Red Cross officials and focused on security conduct, professional behavior, human rights and the legal frameworks governing the use of force.
Key areas covered included International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict, humanitarian principles, policing and public engagement, military objectives and rules of engagement.
One of the lead facilitators, Oniel Bestman, guided participants through fundamental rights protected under domestic and international law, including the right to life and the prohibitions against torture and retroactive criminal laws.
Bestman also discussed the responsibilities of security institutions in domestic law enforcement, including crime prevention and detection, maintaining and restoring public order, and supporting communities during emergencies.
He further addressed legal standards governing detention, arrest, searches and seizures, the use of force and firearms, as well as protections for vulnerable groups, including women, juveniles, refugees, internally displaced persons and victims of crime.
“Security officers must understand that their authority comes with responsibility. Protecting human dignity is as important as protecting lives and property,” Bestman told participants.
Speaking during the workshop, AFL Staff Sergeant Henry P. Lavala said the training was designed to strengthen security personnel’s understanding of the laws governing their conduct during peacetime, emergencies and armed conflict.
“This training is designed to ensure that our men and women in uniform maintain professional standards at all times, and are prepared to respond appropriately if situations involving conflict arise,” Lavala said.
He explained that the AFL conducts similar training programs periodically in counties across Liberia as part of efforts to develop a disciplined, accountable and professional security force.
Although Liberia is currently at peace, Lavala stressed that security personnel must understand international legal standards because armed conflicts continue in other parts of the world and Liberia has international obligations to uphold.
“We are not at war, but it is important that our personnel know the laws that guide warfare so that if there is any emergency, they can respond in line with international standards,” he said.
Lavala also clarified that the workshop was not intended to create fear among civilians but rather to strengthen officers’ understanding of security laws, promote discipline and reinforce accountability for misconduct in situations ranging from routine law enforcement and civil disturbances to peacekeeping and armed conflict.
Officials of the LNRC Maryland Chapter said the partnership with the AFL reflects a shared commitment to humanitarian principles, civilian protection and respect for human dignity.
Red Cross facilitators emphasized the importance of neutrality, impartiality and respect for human dignity in security operations and community engagements.
Participants from the LNP and Harper City Corporation welcomed the training, saying it provided useful guidance on balancing security responsibilities with the rights and freedoms of community members.
The workshop concluded with calls for continued professional training, stronger community dialogue and closer collaboration between security institutions and civil society organizations to promote peace, public order and respect for human rights in Maryland County.
