ICTJ in the News

June 27, 2006

TRC Commissioners in Three-Day Workshop

The Analyst

Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), are benefiting from a three-day training workshop on "the Management of Truth Commissions Affinity Group," a release from the TRC said.

 
The training, which is sponsored by the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) according to the TRC release, is taking place at the CeCe Beach resort outside of Monrovia.

According to organizers of the training, the objective of the exercise is to share with Commissioners of the Liberian TRC additional lessons learnt, successes, mistakes, and general experiences of other truth commissions.

Topics being discussed include a brief Introduction to the Management of Truth Commissions, Researching and Reporting, Information Collection and Management, Statement Taking, Data Challenges, and Analysis.

Commissioners will also gain insights on Conducting Public Hearings, Articulating a Public Position on Critical Issues, Final Reporting of the TRC's mandate, and Making Recommendations amongst others.

"It is hoped that at the end of the day, the TRC would be in a better position to drive its process having obtained a clearer vision on best possible approaches from diverse perspectives from home and abroad," the release under the signature of the Chairman for Media Affairs, Massa Washington said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Edwin M Snowe, has assured the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of the full support of the Liberian Legislature.

Speaking on Sunday at an inter-faith Christian Service held at the Providence Baptist Church on Ashmun Street, Monrovia, the Speaker said that the National Legislature will at all times support the work of the TRC including supporting the full budgetary process of the Commission and appearing before the TRC when requested to do so.

In a definitive and supportive manner, Speaker Snowe assured the TRC of the National Legislature's unconditional support especially during the hearings.

"Everyone will appear before the TRC including myself if called, nobody will be excused," he said.

The Speaker also used the occasion to apologize to the Commission for having being absent at programs marking the official launching of the TRC held last Thursday at the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun Street.

He attributed his absence and that of some lawmakers at the launching as a result of hectic ongoing sessions at the Capitol.

The inter-faith service on Sunday marked the end of a week long activities of the TRC launching program.

On Saturday, June 17, 2006, the TRC kicked off its mobilization and sensitization campaign with an elaborate float parade throughout principle streets of Monrovia and its environs.

The kick off was preceded by the formal launching program at the Centennial Pavilion on Thursday, followed by an inter-faith service with the Islamic faith at the New Port Street Mosque.

At that service attended by both Christians and Muslims, the guest preacher called on all Liberians to repent and learn to forgive one another.

He said the TRC process will be meaningless if Liberians do not cultivate the spirit of forgiveness and repentance as the holy book has commanded.