A group of dedicated individuals has taken the initiative to promote reconciliation and healing in communities across Bopolu District, Gbarpolu County, ahead of Liberia’s October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections.
This followed a seven-day, capacity-building training, conducted by the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), through the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP,) from June 26 to July 2, 2023, in Bopolu City.
While describing the Palava hut mechanism of reconciliation as “traditional gathering,” INCHR Awareness Giver Supervisor, Casius Garpeh, said that the event will provide a safe space for community members to come together, share their stories, and find a common ground for reconciliation.
But before the Palava hut dialogue takes place, the INCHR has decided to raise awareness and ensure the participation of as many community members as possible, stating that trained awareness givers are actively creating awareness in Bopolu district.
“INCHR believes that the success of the dialogue relies on the active involvement of those who experienced the consequences of the 14-year civil war firsthand in Liberia”, said Emery Ciapha.
He also said they have been trained to rollout awareness ahead of the Palava hut dialogue.
He asserted that, with determination and passion, the INCHR and UNDP launched a major awareness campaign throughout in Bopolu District right after the training. “So, we are traveling to villages, towns, and remote areas, spreading the word about the upcoming Palava hut dialogue,” said Emery.
At the same time, Hawa Berker, one of the nine awareness giver members, said that the message is resonating through radio broadcasts and word-of-mouth.
She also said that the communities in Bopolu District have started to feel a renewed sense of hope and a readiness to confront the painful past while working towards a brighter future.
She is certain of that the awareness campaign is a catalyst for change, igniting a collective desire for reconciliation and healing.
As the Palava hut dialogue approaches, community members are eagerly preparing to participate, knowing that this event will mark a significant milestone in their journey towards peace, according to Leone Momo.
Leone and five others are documenting testimonies from survivors that will be used during the Palava hut dialogue in August.
“After the awareness, we are taking statements from people who were somehow affected during the war. These statements are confidential and will be disclosed only during the dialogue, this is why the awareness team is helping to pave the way for our work,” he said.
Meanwhile, the INCHR Awareness Giver Supervisor, Casius Garpeh, is of the hope that the ongoing awareness campaign and the anticipated Palava hut dialogue is going to serve as a symbol of the power of dialogue, understanding, and community involvement in the face of terrible 14 years of adversity.
He added that it is going to serve as a reminder that even after the darkest of times, reconciliation and healing are possible, and together, a brighter future can be built.
