JPC, The Missing Voice: Can it Return To Status Quo Ante?

By Atty Philip N. Wesseh (PNW)

Because this is my birth month, which I do not believe is only a time for merry-making and conviviality, but also a time for sober reflection, and introspection, some of my articles would be based mainly on some events, individuals, groups and institutions, in view of their activities in the past. In today’s piece, I have decided to reflect on the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, commonly known as JPC.

Unarguably, for too long, I have noticed the conspicuous silence of this body established during the leadership of the late Archbishop Michael K. Francis, who was once rightly described by former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, as “THE CONSCIENCE” of the Liberian society.

Intuitively, let me say that characterization by Madam Sirleaf, then, can be attributed to the fearless advocacy of the late Archbishop and JPC in the Liberian society.

Fortunately for me, since its establishment I have followed with admiration and satisfaction the activities and advocacy of the JPC, beginning with its first Director Samuel Kofi Woods, my former neighbor in New Kru Town affectionately known as “SARGON.” .The activities of the JPC was one of the major sources of stories on human rights issues in Liberia.

Besides, my relationship with succeeding directors, including my former D. Twe High School classmate, Cllr. James Verdier, former Chairman of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), put me in an advantageous position in getting information from the JPC. One of the things I admired during the active days of the JPC was the compilation of alleged human rights violations in the society.

Let me say that those days, the JPC stood as one voice in the wilderness and also as
“THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS.” It impacted the lives of Liberians and stood as “THE BEACON OF HOPE” for Liberians.

Also, it commanded the respect of the Liberian people and the international community for which it received many accolades. It is because of its role in the past that I am today concerned about its conspicuous silence on human rights issues in the country.

Are we, as a people and nation to say that there are no human rights issues in the country? Certainly, I say a “BIG NO!” because if we harbor such a belief, then we should consider ourselves as being in a state of hallucination or fantasy.

It is not a gainsaying that the present status of the JPC has created a vacuum in the country regarding the issue of human rights violations.

I therefore hold the belief that, had the JPC been active these days, some of the issues pointed out by the national orator, Madam Leyman Gbowee, could had been raised by the JPC.

Whatever the situation, the JPC should return to its “status Quo Ante.” This is my plea.

I Rest My Case.