FOLLOWING THE HOUSE of Representatives and the Liberian Senate signing a joint resolution supporting the establishment of a war crimes court in the country, shining a light of hope for justice for the over 250,000people murdered during the brutal civil war as well as forthe living victims of that conflict, rights advocates have begun to voice concern about the credibility and integrity of such a critical tribunal.
GLOBAL JUSTICE FOR Peace and Human Rights Advocacy Network (GJPHRAN) has become one of the earliest advocates. Global Director Advocate-Activist General, Ambassador Dr. Marie Scott Wilson, has said, “In this light, GJPHRAN takes serious concern regarding the credibility and integrity of establishing the war crimes court, specifically questions surrounding certain organizations that have been involved in witness recruitment, witness coaching, and witness payment to make false claims against accused persons in war crimes cases. Alain Werner of Civitas Maxima, Hassan Bility of the Global Justice Research Project, and the Center for Justice and Accountability have been accused of producing false testimonies against accused persons in Liberian war crimes cases in Europe.
“GJPHRAN UNEQUIVOCALLY CALLS for an investigation into these allegations and recommends a thorough vetting process for organizations and individuals that will be involved with the Liberian war crimes court to ensure ethical standards are upheld. Those organizations with a history of witness coaching and falsification of evidence should be excluded from the process.
“THEREFORE, GJPHRAN NOW calls upon His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to swiftly sign the legal documents for the establishment of the war crimes court as the means to begin a check on impunity in Liberia. President Boakai, without delay, should issue an executive order to set up a Special War Crimes Office which will be responsible for coordinating activities for the establishment of the war crimes court, and the President should write a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General seeking international assistance for the establishment of the War Crimes Court.”
THE RESOLUTION OF the National Legislature authorizes President Boakai to issue an executive order to set up the first Special Office for War Crimes to determine the scope and operations of the war crimes court, and to solicit international support, particularly to write the United Nations Secretary-General.