Lutheran Prelate, Sen. Prince Johnson Want Extension of TRC Mandate
The Pastor of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Liberia, Reverend Thomas Paye and Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson has called for an extension of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC).
Speaking Monday at the start of a three day special commemoration program for victims of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church Massacre at the church's edifice in Sinkor, Reverend Paye and Senator Johnson stressed the need for the mandate of the TRC to be extended to afford the commission the opportunity to do more comprehensive research on the Liberian conflict.
"Truth and Reconciliation is a process and not an event. I am very proud of the extent of work the TRC has done thus far, but the commission still needs to do more so that its findings will be comprehensive resulting to lasting and durable peace and reconciliation in Liberia," the Lutheran prelate said.
Rev. Paye said that if the impact of the work of the TRC must be felt long after its demise, then the life span of the commission must be extended so that its findings can be comprehensive.
Also speaking, Senator Prince Johnson said: "The TRC will need an extension if its work must have impact. Your mandate needs to be extended and we need to find money to fund your operations."
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.
