LCC wants TRC report implemented

The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) is calling on the government of Liberia through President George Manneh Weah to quickly implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report against Liberians who took part in the 14 years of civil unrest here.

Speaking on Coffee Break on UNMIL Radio via mobile on Tuesday, 6 March, Bishop Kortu Brown said since Liberia chooses to carry on the TRC instead of tribunal; there is a urgent need to implement those recommendations contained in the TRC Report.

It 2009 the TRC presented its final report containing findings, determinations and recommendations and submitted it to the Legislature. The report contained major findings on the root causes of the Liberian conflict, the impact of the conflict on women, children and the generality of the Liberian society; responsibility for the massive commission of Gross Human Rights Violations (GHRV), and violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL) as well as Egregious Domestic Law Violations (EDLV).

The report also determined and recommended criminal prosecution for these violations, reparations and a “palava hut” forum to redress impunity, promote peace, justice, security, unity and genuine national reconciliation.

The Pastor of the New Water in the Desert Ministry narrates that he thinks Liberia has to review the report, claiming that there were recommendations that were ignored by the past administration of former President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf.

“I think we need to review the entire process. How do we ensure that we don’t go back to war? How do we ensure that democracy is consolidated? How do we ensure that the resources of this country [are] protected? These are things that this government must touch … before carrying on other things,” Bishop Brown says.
The LCC president has pointed out that the Council’s quest for the implementation of the report will be met through dialogue with stakeholders and officials of government, among others.

He says the aim is to avoid going back to war, thus urging the new government of President George Manneh Weah have the TRC recommendations implemented.
He claims that the the past government did not have time for those things, but was allegedly only concern about building structures.

By Lewis S. Teh–Edited by Winston W. Parley