Freetown/Brussels, 20 December 2002: Sierra Leone’s
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is a vital part of the strategy for
making the country’s still fragile peace permanent. It must start serious work,
however, if it is to avoid losing the confidence of civil society and
international donors.
In a new briefing paper,
Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission: A Fresh Start?*,
the International Crisis Group (ICG) examines
the progress of this important transitional justice mechanism, which is one of
two (the other is the Special Court) established to deliver justice for crimes
committed during the brutal eleven year conflict that ended this year and to
reconcile a war-torn nation.
It finds that there are still serious problems with
management issues, funding and, in particular, the performance of the
commissioners and its partner, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR).
ICG Africa Program Co-Director Fabienne Hara said: "The TRC
must simply start fulfilling its mandate. This mainly depends on the
commissioners themselves. They must put forward a strategic operational plan
and follow through. It is significant that statement takers have been sent out
this month to begin collecting stories from all citizens who wish to come
forward, but this is just a first step".
Funding has been a severe problem for the TRC from the
start. Donor fatigue, poor fundraising efforts by the TRC and OHCHR and
management difficulties all contribute to a major shortfall.
ICG West Africa Project Director Comfort Ero said: "The
institution needs to be revitalised so that the donors can stop playing "wait
and see" games and start contributing funds to this critical process.
Commissioners need to communicate about their work in order to help
fundraising. Rather than plead penury, they must demonstrate their capacity to
deliver. The commissioners, especially those that are Sierra
Leone nationals, need to stand up for the
TRC and make their voices heard if they feel the process is not progressing as
it should".
Civil society also must be brought back into the process. It
is needed to assist with education, to act as a watchdog and to encourage
popular participation in the TRC. Unfortunately many civil society leaders feel
betrayed by the current process and are increasingly apathetic about the
ability and will of the TRC to reveal the truth and heal a divided nation. This
is starting to change and improve as the TRC reaches out more, but efforts need
to continue.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Katy Cronin (London) +44.20.86.82.93.51
email: [email protected]
Francesca Lawe-Davies (Brussels) +32-(0)2-536.00.65
Jennifer Leonard (Washington) +1-202-785 1601
*Read the briefing paper on our website:
www.crisisweb.org