Special Court for Sierra Leone Legacy Conference

Understanding and assuring the sustainability of SCSL’s impact 10 years after its establishment

View photos from the conference here.

New York, 7-8 November, Mission of Canada to the UN

CHATHAM HOUSE RULE

7 NOVEMBER

Introductory Remarks

Session I: The SCSL: designing, launching and building a hybrid structure: lessons learned
Objective: To examine the SCSL’s unique hybrid structure and to ascertain the various lessons learned. Topics for discussion include the lessons learned from setting up the court as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of the hybrid model. Comparisons will be drawn to the experiences of other hybrid institutions.

Session II: Funding – The Impact of Voluntary Contributions
Objective: To examine the impact of voluntary contributions on the management of the court and the judicial process. Discussion will include the challenges faced by the Court and the lessons learned. The session will also examine the role of the management committee in relation to fundraising efforts.

Session III: Residual Issues
Objective: The objective of the session is to discuss residual issues from both a substantive and logistical point of view. From a substantive point of view, issues for discussion include the challenges of witness protection and the maintenance and preservation of the archives. From a logistical point of view, issues for discussion include the establishment of the residual mechanism in The Hague and its relationship with national authorities as well as funding for the mechanism. The ultimate objective is to ensure an operational plan for the sustainability of the residual mechanism and activities.

8 NOVEMBER

Session IV: Overall Impact of the SCSL: Presentation of forthcoming Survey Report
Methodology and main findings of the report, Alison Smith, NPWJ
Discussion and Q&A to follow presentation

Session V: Overall Impact of the SCSL on the Sierra Leone Domestic Justice System
Objective: To examine the impact of the Work of the Court domestically, specifically, the extent to which its jurisprudence and procedure changed or shaped domestic legislation, law reform and legal practices in domestic courts as well as the Court’s long-term impact on justice institutions, including the police and the judiciary. Attention will also be given to the various projects by the Court that relate to building the capacity of the national justice system and the efforts needed to ensure the sustainability of some of these projects beyond the lifespan of the Court.

Session VI: The impact of the SCSL jurisprudence on international norms and procedures
Objective: To discuss the impact of the Court’s jurisprudence beyond the borders of Sierra Leone. Particular focus will be given to the Court’s jurisprudence relating to the conscription of child soldiers; forced marriage; and on head of state immunity.

Session VII: The impact of the SCSL on Sierra Leonean society
Objective: To discuss the impact of the Court’s outreach program and lessons learned. More specifically, the session will examine how the outreach program affected and impacted the views of Sierra Leoneans on the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations, including violations against marginalized groups such as women and children.

Closing Remarks