The Executive Director of a women’s group in the country, Women’s Action For Rights and Empowerment (WARE), Maima D. Robinson, has disclosed that the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia will serve as a deterrent for would-be human rights abusers to rethink themselves before engaging into any act of war in Liberia in the future.
She said that despite the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s conclusions that atrocious crimes and serious violations of international law were committed, the government continues to waver over the creation of a recommended war crimes court to hold perpetrators to account for their actions in the civil war.
Robinson made the statement over the weekend in an interview with newsmen at the close of a four-day capacity building training on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, advocating and monitoring, organized by the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), with funding from the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund, United Nations Civil Society Partnership.
Robinson indicated that some even see an accountability mechanism as an essential step for Liberia to heal from the wounds of the past and address the culture of impunity in the country.
She underscored that some, however, worry that a court will reignite old tensions, that it could be misused for political purposes, and that it would be too costly given Liberia’s struggling economy.
Robinson added that people must be held accountable for crime, as impunity has kept the country and its citizens backward for far too long.
Robinson maintained that too many women are living with bullets in their bodies, and the establishment of the war crimes court will allow them to explain their stories, which would be documented.
According to Robinson, her organization will encourage more women groups to partner with them to provide intensive training that will enhance their participation in the advocacy that will equip them to get more involved in ensuring that those who committed human rights violations in the country are brought to book.
“This is why I support the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia because this court will help us find justice for victims, and hopefully they will lay painful memories of loved ones and innocent souls to eternal rest,” she stressed
The Women’s Action for Rights and Empowerment boss expressed the belief that the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia will also lift the weight off the shoulders of accused persons who believe that they are innocent or wrongly accused.
She added that a court is not just a place to seek punishment; it is a place to find the truth, to award justice, and to set the innocent or wrongly accused free.
Robinson clarified that the court will help Liberians heal and reconcile. “It should not be limited to the crimes committed during the war but should have the jurisdiction for the trying of current and future crimes, such as stealing from the people and passing deals that cheat Liberia and Liberians,” she stated.
She then used the occasion to call for more women involvement in advocating for the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).