TRC Commissioners Hold Interactive Meeting with Statement Takers (TRC press release)

December 11, 2006

On Saturday, December 09, 2006, TRC Commissioners held an interactive meeting with Statement Takers at the Commission's head office, 9 th Street , Sinkor.

In his introductory remarks, TRC Chairman Jerome J. Verdier talked about the success of the TRC being hinge on the statement taking. This makes the Statement Takers a vital component of the TRC. Therefore the Commission organized the forum to hear their concerns and problems experienced during the experimental statement taking process to respond to them as far as possible in a strict and honest manner.

Issues of concern voiced by Statement Takers included the lack of accommodation for them in the counties, the need for per diem and travel allowances as well as security issues, the upgrading of statement forms and the lack of awareness and sensitization. They also asked for clarification upon redeployment and the mode of salary payment. They expressed appreciation to the Chairman and the Commission for showing interest and understanding their plight.

In response Chairman Verdier thanked them for the hard work and commitment. He appealed to them to face the challenges of the statement taking process together with the Commission. The TRC has not received any funding from partners and international organisations for the statement taking process. It is only through cutting down administrative support from the Government of Liberia by 40% that the statement taking process can presently be undertaken.

Finally, the Chairman encouraged them to take pride in what they are doing for the TRC. Commissioner Gerald Coleman said that Statement Takers are on a mission to bring new hope for Liberia . Commissioner Sheikh Kafumba Konneh asked them to continue discussing problems they are facing with the Commission.

After the Statement Takers expressed appreciation for the dialogue and stated that they are going with a renewed vigour to start statement taking in January, the meeting ended with Commissioners and Statement Takers singing the National Anthem of Liberia together.

The Commission is about to finish the evaluation of the experimental statement taking process. The last phase of training for Statement Takers will be from December 15-22. S

Signed:

Juliane Westphal, Director of Media and Outreach