http://www.analystliberia.com/trc_success_depends_june23.html

http://www.analystliberia.com/trc_success_depends_june23.html

The Officer-In-Charge of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Mr. Luiz Carlos da Costa said the success of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is dependent on the provision of resources beyond what the government and people of Liberia can afford.

His statement is against the backdrop of the task before the commission, which was officially launched by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Speaking at the Centennial Pavilion during the launch of the TRC yesterday, he repeated appeal to the international community to provide all the necessary support towards the successful completion of the task of the commission.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been very contributive financially to the TRC, something which Mr. da Costa recognized in his statement.

“UNDP is the first organization to provide substantial funding in the tone of US$600,000 and to commit so early to ensure the success of the TRC,” he said amidst applause. At the same time, the UNMIL acting chief recognized the task before the Commission, which according to him is not an easy one.

He told Liberians what the commission will do as it begins operations: “It is not only to examine the past, but also to delve into what caused communities to turn against one another and people to go against their neighbors.”

“The Commission will also need to come with recommendations to help the victims overcome their trauma,” he stressed. According to the UNMIL Officer-In-Charge, as daunting the task maybe, “we are confident that we have a TRC that has competent and committed members ready to help Liberians confront their past and resolve together their differences.”


Meanwhile, Mr. da Costa has commended members of the civil society, who, according to him, have been relentless in their efforts to see that the commission began functioning. “I must also thank them for their contribution at several stages of the evolution of this commission and am confident that their support will be even stronger as the body moves forward with its tasks,” he noted.

He also recognized the participation of Liberians as essential to the success of the TRC. “Participation of the people freely and without fear is essential to the success of the commission’s mandate, “ he said, and added “I therefore urge all Liberians to see it as an obligation to come forward before the Commission in the spirit of reconciliation and with the determination to look to the future.”

At the same time, ex-fighters in the Liberian conflict have pledged their support and cooperation with the work of the TRC. A representative of ex-combatants told Liberians that 90% of the youth population has experienced the most brutal political transformation in Liberia.

At such, he said it was time to make a comeback of senses by supporting the work of the TRC which according to stakeholders is a symbol of peace and national healing.

According to him, during this period, youths were used as agents of death and utter destruction, but noted that with the election of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President of Liberia “they will never be used to kill and destroy our beloved country and citizens.”

What he said the youth want to see is for them to reconcile their differences and become united to ensure that they are empowered academically.

Envoys of the US, EU, ECOWAS and Sierra Leone made statements, and pledged to support the work of the TRC. They also urged Liberians to cooperate with the TRC to ensure its success.