A delegation from Liberia's Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L) has embarked on a five-day study tour to Sierra Leone. The visit aims to gain insights into Sierra Leone's experience with accountability, transitional justice, and prosecution of war-related crimes. The team, led by Reverend Philip L. Nushann, includes representatives from various stakeholders such as the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association, the Council of Churches, and the Women NGO Secretariat.
The study tour is part of OWECC-L's efforts to learn from countries that have implemented transitional justice and accountability mechanisms. By engaging with different sectors, the delegation seeks to promote broader ownership of the process beyond lawyers and officials. The team will visit the Liberian Embassy in Sierra Leone, where they will receive guidance and support throughout their visit. Embassy officials will also facilitate engagements with relevant institutions and stakeholders in Sierra Leone.
During their visit, the delegation will engage with the Special Court for Sierra Leone, learning about the court's establishment, mandate, institutional structure, operations, judicial processes, and outreach activities. This engagement is expected to provide practical insights into Sierra Leone's experience in addressing serious crimes committed during its civil war. The team will also examine the experiences and challenges Sierra Leone encountered in implementing its accountability mechanisms.
Key issues to be discussed during the study tour include public participation, victims' concerns, institutional coordination, community outreach, and the preservation of historical records. The delegation will also engage with members of the Liberian community in Sierra Leone, listening to their views, concerns, and expectations on issues of accountability, justice, reconciliation, and Liberia's transitional justice process.
The study tour will allow OWECC-L and its partners to share information on the Office's mandate and ongoing work while gathering perspectives from members of the Liberian diaspora. The team is scheduled to engage Liberians in Bo, Freetown, and Waterloo. This engagement is part of OWECC-L's broader efforts to strengthen institutional knowledge, stakeholder collaboration, and public engagement and understanding of Liberia's transitional justice process.
The Sierra Leone study tour is expected to provide valuable lessons and experiences that will contribute to ongoing discussions and preparations for the establishment and effective functioning of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia. The delegation's findings will likely shape public trust in Liberia's own court. By learning from Sierra Leone's experience, Liberia can apply relevant lessons to its transitional justice process.
The study tour reflects Liberia's efforts to establish a war crimes court and address the legacy of its civil conflict. The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia is working to establish a similar court in Liberia, and the study tour is a crucial step in this process. The delegation's visit to Sierra Leone demonstrates Liberia's commitment to accountability, justice, and reconciliation.
Key points
- Liberia's Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court is studying Sierra Leone's transitional justice experience.
- The study tour aims to promote broader engagement and provide representatives from different sectors with an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into Sierra Leone's transitional justice and accountability experience.
- The delegation's findings will likely shape public trust in Liberia's own court.
