NB: Tasks are arranged in order of priority. Action plan presupposes that the preparatory period begins immediately following the inauguration of the Commission along with the International Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC) as stipulated in the TRC Act and assumes this will take place by December.
Human Rights and Protection Section (HRPS) presents this proposal on a purely advisory capacity, aware of the fact that the commissioners and ITAC have the ultimate responsibility of mapping out an action plan most suited to them.
Accompanying Notes to TRC Action Plan
1. Commissioners
On October 18 Commissioners for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were selected by the Chairman of the Transitional Government of Liberia, Gyude Bryant. Soon, ECOWAS and the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (HCHR) will appoint three persons into ITAC to work closely with the Commissioners. Following this, the commission will be inaugurated and the clock will begin to tick on the three month preparatory period signaling full-fledged commencement of the TRC activities. At this formative stage in the commission’s life, lead stakeholders, including the Government of Liberia, UNMIL, International Non- Governmental Organizations (INGOs), UN Agencies and the donor community, should convene a series of meetings to strategize on how best to support the TRC. This group of organizations could then give consideration to formulating themselves into a steering committee for the TRC
2. Funding
HRPS suggests that African based human rights organizations that have played a significant roles in the establishment of truth commissions, as well as international consultants who have worked closely with UNMIL HRPS on the TRC process be invited to future donor conferences to provide their expertise and insights. Activities such as a training program for the Commissioners, ITAC and senior staff may best be handled by such organizations with hands on experience. The UNDP, UNOPS, the European Union and others may then concentrate on extending initial logistical support to the commission such as securing appropriate office space and related accessories for them. Seed money should be made available as soon as the Commission is inaugurated so that a skeleton Secretariat could be set up to run the day today activities of the commission. Of critical importance is the question of staff salaries, which would need to be addressed at an early stage. Commissioners and members of the Secretariat should not be expected to begin their work without this issue being resolved. It is understood that UNDP has some funds available and it should be encouraged to disclose its views on how these funds will be used
3. National Secretariat
Office space – UNMIL and NTGL should immediately designate an office space for the TRC. The present building used by the NEC, when vacated, may be suitable. Alternatively, some space may be available at the German Embassy once UNMIL moves to the Pan Africa Plaza. The government of Germany could be approached to ascertain whether it is would be willing to donate space on a temporary basis. However, the NTGL and UNMIL should take the lead in locating suitable office space. During the three month preparatory period, HRPS should work closely with the TRC; if possible, staff should be collocated with the secretariat pending the recruitment of international consultants.
4. Training/Capacity Building
HRPS, UNDP, international consultants and Africa based human rights organizations with specialized knowledge of truth commissions, should organize separate capacity building workshops for the Commissioners, statement takers and the Secretariat. HRPS is ready to participate in such a training exercise. The training will provide the groundwork for a retreat in which a long term strategy for the Commission could be developed.
5. Personnel
Once skeleton executive and support staff are on board, recruitment for the various components of the Secretariat will have to begin in earnest. Development of internship programs for international students could be a great asset to the commission. Interns could contribute immensely in conducting research into the history of the conflict. A department responsible for public outreach will have to be established immediately to conduct awareness raising campaigns on the TRC.
6. Outreach
Until the TRC establishes its own outreach section, UNMIL Public Information Section, HRPS and the umbrella organization, the Transitional Justice Working Group, must pioneer the process of informing the public about the TRC.
Tasks November 2005 – February 2006
(1) Commissioners:
• December: UNMIL, UNDP, ECOWAS, Donors to write a joint letter thanking the Chairman for the appointment of the Commissioners and asking him to officially dissolve the current commission.
• December: HRPS, UNDP, ECOWAS, NTGL and Civil Society Organizations to organize a high profile inauguration Ceremony to which Archbishop Desmond Tutu to could be invited
(2) Funding
• November: UNDP $400,000 budget from DANIDA disclosed to initial meeting of interested parties (UNMIL, EU, UNOPS, Civil Society) and utilized to begin locating and renovating suitable office premises, logistics and communications
• November: HRPS/UNDP to have initial consultations on resource mobilization with donors in Monrovia – USAID, EU, Sweden etc
• November/December: HRPS/UNDP/Civil Society to develop resource mobilization tools and a budget for resource mobilization
• PowerPoint presentation on TRC Act - local perceptions, UNMIL’s work, link to peace process and CPA, emphasis on connection to key local ongoing issues – DDRR, Arms, Elections, Ownership, Psycho-social assistance
• Documentary on state of HR in Liberia
• UNDP - Conflict mapping results - presentation
• December: Preparations for a mini – donors conference
• December/January: Lessons learned roundtable/capacity building exercise – to take place shortly after the TRC commissioners are inaugurated
3. International Technical Advisory Committee (ITAC)
• November: ITAC members selected – join Commission in December
4. UNOPS
• November: Ascertain the extent of UNOPs willingness to become involved with the TRC. Further discussions are needed at this stage to seek clarification as well as some preparatory planning
5. National Secretariat
• November/December: Initial assessment of Monrovia office premises
• November: UNMIL to potentially assist in communications and logistical support – enquiries to be made regarding this possibility
• November/December: Selection of consultants to assist in setting up and running of secretariat
• November: Begin soliciting candidates for TRC Executive Secretary
• January: Secretariat staff begin work on TRC strategy and manual developed from lessons learned roundtable and strategic retreat
6. Training/Capacity Building
• January: Lessons learned roundtable and strategic retreat. to be planned and budgeted for immediately following the inauguration of the commissioners – international consultants and Africa based human rights organizations notified in advance
7. Personnel
• December: Terms of reference drawn up for national and international members of the Secretariat
• December: Vacancy announcements posted
• December: Proposal for internship program developed – announcements for internship placements advertised in international media
8.Sensitization/Public Information
• December: Commissioners inaugurated along with the ITAC team, UNMIL to organise arrangements for the ceremony
• Inauguration ceremony to be attended by SRSG, Chairman, Ambassadors etc
• Press conference held before national and international media
• January: Country wide sensitization campaign
• Radio interviews
• Billboards
• Newspaper announcements
• January: TRC, UNMIL, UNDP and ECOWAS to begin building relationships with stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels - transitional justice unit involved in reconciliation forums
(9) TRC Steering Committee
• November: Establishment of TRC Steering Committee composing UNMIL, UNDP, ECOWAS, USAID, UNOPS and EU.
• November: UNDP to organize formalities for establishment of committee
(Prepared by the Transitional Justice Unit of UNMIL Human Rights and Protection Section: Source - Raphael Abiem)
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