The United States Ambassador-at-Large for Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, is rallying Liberians to join and champion the call for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia.
She said it is so pathetic that since the end of the Liberian 14-years of civil war, which led to death and displacement of thousands of Liberians, they are yet to get justice, while the alleged perpetrators continue to live with impunity.
The US diplomat’s comment came following her recent visit to Liberia, where she met with members of the Legislature, including House Speaker, Cllr. Fonati Koffa; Senate Pro-temp, Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence; Vice president, Jeremiah Koung, and President Joseph Boakai, among others.
Also, during the US Ambassador-at-large for Criminal Justice’s stay in the country, members of the House Representatives then signed and forwarded a resolution to the Liberian Senate for concurrence, calling for the establishment of the court in Liberia.
Despite some Representatives, Senators, Civil Society actors and President Boakai’s commitment to establishing the court, some former warlords, now Senators, Prince Johnson of Nimba and Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh, have all vowed to resist the court.
But Ambassador Schaack, in an open letter issued yesterday, said, “I am so excited to be your partner in this journey. I had a wonderful visit to Liberia, and I cannot wait for my next one, and I hope I will be able to help you welcome the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for all Liberians.”
“This is why I encourage everyone reading this note to let your voices be heard on this issue. Speak up in your communities. Write, call, or reach out to your representatives and local leaders and tell them how you feel.
If you want to see justice, let your leadership know how impunity affects you, your family, and your community, because the bright future of Liberia is in your hands and your voices must be heard. The United States stands with you and is ready to support you in this endeavor,” she maintained.
The US Diplomat furthered, “When I spoke on Radio OK FM during my visit, I was asked if I would be disappointed if Liberia did not build a WECC before my next visit. Of course, I would like to see a war crimes court in Liberia, but it is not my opinion that matters.”
“The imagined Court emerged from the recommendations of your TRC with a goal of bringing real justice for Liberians, and this is your court and your history. So, the US will also be watching closely to make sure that those advocating for justice do not face threats to their safety, and that all Liberians can step forward and speak about this effort without fear of intimidation or retribution.”
“Victims and witnesses must play a central role in the work of the future court, and they must be able to do so freely and safely because when there is no accountability for the worst crimes known to humankind, it undermines the rule of law and contributes to corruption and lawlessness. In so many ways, there can be no true and lasting peace without justice,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Schaack thanked President Joseph Boakai for his willingness and commitment to ending the culture of impunity in Liberia, noting, “I applaud President Boakai for making justice such a priority in the early days of his administration.”
She also lauded the House Speaker and the entire leadership of the Legislature for the signing of the resolution, which she said is the first step towards ending impunity in Liberia, adding, “It was also thrilling to see a resolution in support of the WECC pass with strong support in the House. Now, over to the Senate!”
