As stated in the July 2nd, 2009 Press Conference of the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), we the members of TJWG of Liberia, a Coalition of Civil Society organizations working on various programs of Transitional Justice, commend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Liberia for the completion and submission of its final report. Despite the challenges faced by the Commission, internally and externally, it is worth noting that this is a significant step in fulfilling its mandate.

The Coalition is now reviewing the Report and will come up with a position as to its contents in due course. Similarly, we call on all Liberians, academic institutions, youth groups, Women organizations, media institutions, the Government, development partners and other bodies to take the necessary time to read the document carefully and begin a constructive debate on its conclusions. Responses should be responsible, constructive and non-reactionary.

The Civil Society needs to play a lead role in widely disseminating the report and critically analyzing and debating its contents.

Now that the TRC is phasing out through the submission of its final report, it is our hope that the Government will see reason to fast track the reconstitution and operation of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR). The INCHR of Liberia is the body legally charged with the responsibility to ensure implementation of TRC recommendations, as per Article X, Section 46 of the TRC Act of 2005.

We wish to also acknowledge the efforts and support provided by our local and international partners: Government of Liberia, International Contact Group of Liberia (ICGL), International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Open Society Initiative of West Africa (OSIWA), Swedish Government, Civil Society Organizations of Liberia, the Liberian People, and the many others to the TRC during its work.

Let us now conclude by informing all Liberians and partners in progress that the work is not yet concluded, it has just gone through its first phase, it has just begun; our collectively firm and sincere support to the INCHR in attaining justice and reconciliation will mark the beginning of the next phase in Liberia’s efforts to deal with our past.

We the members of the TJWG have been committed to this process since its inception in the wake of the 2003 Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement. We have seen the TRC through its legislation, selection, and operations. We remain dedicated to seeing the process through, including follow-up to the TRC.

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CONTACTS:

Mr. Alfred Quayjandii
Program Coordinator TJWG
Tel: 077 523 847
Tjwg.liberia@yahoo.com

Mr. Kanio Bai-Gbala
Cluster Head, TJWG
Tel: 06 528 619

Mr. Alfred Quayjandii
Program Coordinator TJWG
Tel: 077 523 847
Tjwg.liberia@yahoo.com

Mr. Kanio Bai-Gbala
Cluster Head, TJWG
Tel: 06 528 619

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