ICTJ in the News

April 25, 2005

Experts Discuss Essence of TRC

The Inquirer (Monrovia)

By C. Winnie Saywah

Though the Truth and Reconciliation Commission draft bill is yet to receive its second reading before the NTLA, experts have been discussing its significance if enacted into law.

The Director for Outreach and Analysis Unit of the International Center for Transitional Justice, New York, Priscilla Hayner said, she is impressed with the strength of the bill because it seeks to maintain the traditional and non-judicial inquiries that are the country's historical accounts.

Madam Hayner, who is visiting the country, said she finds it noteworthy that the bill includes a number of very critical guidelines to include protection that will allow perpetrators to come forward and meet victims without any court intervention.

She said it also seeks to ensure the independence of the commission, and putting all those elements together makes it clear that the country will benefit from this strong bill, which is unique and will reflect the realities of the situation.

For her part, Madam Lydia Nkansah, chairperson on research, TRC in Sierra Leone, said the bill seeks to create a forum to dialogue through the past and redeem part of what the citizens have lost.

She said in the past, many sons and daughters of the soil were hurt from the political past and the TRC, if enacted, will create an opportunity for Liberians to come back and have confidence in the state.

Still discussing the importance of the enactment of the bill, UNMIL Transitional Justice Advisor, Raphael Abien said the country is at a threshold of a very unique experience He said Liberians now have the opportunity to know and experience the real truth and objective of the very beginning of history of this country. He added that the bill seeks to correct the past which will make a successful future.

Meeting with framers and experts of the bill in his office last week, the NTLA chairman on the joint committee on judiciary and the peace process, Rep Commany Wesseh said, though the bill did not witness its second reading as was expected last week, it is still clear that it will be overwhelmingly passed into law by the body.

Rep. Wesseh said the proposed bill has gained maximum support from his colleagues, and the collaboration from the international and national communities is wonderful.

He said the bill which further seeks to form a legislation that will provide a forum to contribute to national healing and reconciliation is expected to be put forth for its second reading and discussion during plenary this week.

The TRC bill has already entertained its public debate and is awaiting its second and third reading to be enacted into law if endorsed by that body.