Dozens of Ivorian refugee women and girls recently arrived in eastern Liberia say they have had to engage in sex to get adequate food, shelter, or money, Human Rights Watch said today. The Liberian government, the police, and United Nations agencies should take urgent measures to protect and assist vulnerable women and girls, including rapidly building protected shelter and helping them get sufficient and appropriate food, Human Rights Watch said.

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia should demonstrate leadership in accelerating the establishment of the country's Independent National Human Rights Commission.

Human Rights Watch submitted this statement to the UN Human Rights Council for its Universal Periodic Review of Liberia, expressing concern and giving recommendations on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and accountability; ongoing insecurity and abuses in law enforcement; sexual violence and traditional practices; corruption; deficiencies within the judiciary; and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights.

Many governments’ policies toward migrants worldwide expose them to human rights abuses including labor exploitation, inadequate access to health care, and prolonged detention in poor, overcrowded conditions.