The Global Justice for Peace and Human Rights Advocacy Network (GJPHRAN) has called upon President Joseph 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.
The Network’s Global Director, Marie Scott Wilson, further urged President Boakai to 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 also write a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General seeking international assistance for the establishment of the War Crimes Court.
The GJPHRAN notes that the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia is long overdue and welcomes recent developments from the Liberian Legislature shining a light of hope for justice to the over 250, 000 dead and living victims of the country’s brutal civil war.
The Legislature’s resolution authorized President Boakai to issue an executive order, to set up the first Special Office for 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.
Despite GJPHRAN’s call for the establishment of the War Crime Court, it takes seriously the concerns regarding the credibility and integrity of establishing the court, with specific 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.
The Global Justice for Peace and Human Rights Advocacy Network alleged that 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.
Therefore, the GJPHRAN 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.
GJPHRAN is a civil society grouping that is primarily focused on advocating for global justice, peace, and human rights and continues to monitor and support initiatives that promote accountability, fairness, and the protection of vulnerable individuals in Liberia, Africa, and beyond.
