The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in Washington has announced a significant public hearing to discuss the next steps toward establishing accountability for war and economic crimes in Liberia.
This hearing, scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM, will take place in the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC.
According to the institution, the event will provide a platform for examining the profound legacy of Liberia’s civil wars on its people and economy, and will outline the next steps for the newly established Office of a War and Economic Crimes Court.It aims to offer detailed recommendations for Congress to support this crucial initiative.
Liberia has endured severe human rights violations during its multiple civil wars between 1989 and 2003, which resulted in approximately 250,000 deaths.
Thousands of others were forcibly conscripted as child soldiers, raped, mutilated, or subjected to other forms of brutal violence. Despite these atrocities, the country’s judicial system has yet to conduct a single war crimes trial, leaving many perpetrators unpunished and survivors without justice.
Recognizing the need for accountability and justice, Liberian President Joseph Boakai signed an Executive Order on May 2, 2024, to establish the Office of a War and Economic Crimes Court.
The office is mandated to investigate war and economic crimes, design methodologies for justice, and establish both a Special War Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court.
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission’s hearing aims to examine the impact bu assessing the long-term effects of Liberia’s civil wars on its citizens and economy.
The discussion will also center around the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court Office’s Role through exploring the functions and potential of the new Office of a War and Economic Crimes Court.
In their notice, the human right body says the discussion also aims to offer informed recommendations to the US Congress on how to support Liberia’s pursuit of justice and accountability.
The hearing will be hybrid, allowing for both in-person and remote participation. Members of Congress will attend in person, while witnesses may choose to participate in person or via Cisco WebEx.
The event will also be available on the House Digital Channel service.
Hosted by Chris Smith, Member of Congress and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, James P. McGovern, Member of Congress and Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the panel conversation will lead to significant progress in ensuring the establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
The daylong event will feature a panel of distinguished witnesses who bring extensive expertise in human rights and justice including Dr. Alan White, Co-Executive Director for the Advocacy Foundation for Human Rights and Former Chief of Investigations for the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone
Followed by him will be Yahsyndi Martin-Kpeyei, Executive Director of the Movement for Justice for Liberia, Alvin Smith, Chief Investigator for the International Justice Group (NGO), Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Adama Kiatamba Dempster, National Secretary General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia
Other includes Elizabeth Evenson, Director of the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch.
This hearing represents a pivotal moment in Liberia’s journey toward justice and reconciliation.
It is an opportunity for Congress, human rights organizations, and the international community to support Liberia’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and provide redress for victims.
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission through its pronouncement urges all stakeholders to engage actively in this process to ensure a future where justice prevails, and impunity is no longer tolerated.
The establishment of the Office of a War and Economic Crimes Court marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s pursuit of justice.
The upcoming hearing by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will play a crucial role in shaping the next steps towards accountability and healing for the nation.
As Liberia takes these bold steps forward, the support of the global community will be indispensable in ensuring that justice is served and that the wounds of the past are addressed with integrity and compassion.
