April 21, 2008
MONROVIA (TRC): Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) chair
Jerome Verdier says despite attempts by some to cast aspersion on the TRC
process and waylay its success, the Liberian people remain resolute in their
support for the commission.
"Slowly but surely the veil of impunity is being lifted, and the wall of
silence has begun to crumble. Healing is taking place whilst history of the
conflict and its root causes are unfolding," Verdier said Monday when he
officially opened rural public hearings of the TRC in the provincial capitol of
Bopolu, Gbarpolu County.
Counselor Verdier said the commission will remain unwavering in its
commitment to see the TRC process through to its logical conclusion, adding,
"we shall be steadfast and undeterred."
He said the response of ordinary Liberians to the TRC hearings has been
overwhelming and public support high as there has been no shortage of
witnesses, victims and perpetrators coming forward to tell their stories and
share their experiences.
Verdier said the hearings have developed a dynamic of their own and prove
beyond expectation that the shield of impunity and the culture of silence can
indeed be broken.
But the TRC chair said the process can be undermined when victims are afraid
to speak openly against the abuses they suffered and when perpetrators continue
to gloat over their exploits.
Cllr. Verdier said, "While the TRC process is about mending and
restoring broken relationships, regaining the dignity of victims and helping
perpetrators rediscover their lost humanity, it is equally important to
understand that the TRC process is undermined when victims are afraid to speak
out openly against the abuses they suffered, when perpetrators continue to
gloat over their exploits, and when officials of government, through acts of
omission or commission abuse the public trust without reckon."
He commended the commission's partners, the Government of Liberia and the
Liberian people for their solidarity and continued support.
The TRC is an independent body set up to investigate the root causes of the
Liberian crisis, document human rights violations, review the history of
Liberia, and put all human rights abuses that occurred during the period from
1979 to 2003 on record. The TRC mandate is to also identify victims and
perpetrators and make recommendations on amnesty, prosecution and reparation.
The ongoing rural public hearing in Bopolu
City is being held under the theme:
"Confronting Our Difficult Past, For A Better Future."
