TRC Embarks on Massive Outreach Campaign

December 1, 2006

The TRC is strategizing a massive comeback of its public sensitization and outreach program that started in June during the nationwide launching of the Commission. This latest awareness campaign aims to more broadly take the TRC to the people with specific focus on educating the public about the statement taking process currently being implemented and the hearings due to commence in mid January 2007. Once the public is informed about the TRC, statement takers will find it easy to approach communities and to collect testimonies which will be the basis to conduct hearings thereafter.

A number of traditional and non-traditional communication strategies will be used to raise public awareness of the Commission's work reaching a wide and diverse population. The outreach campaign is designed for all Liberians, irrespective of their educational background. Activities like the "door-to-door" sensitization and the awareness raising by traditional leaders will reach even the most remote communities. Community theatre and live concerts with the TRC music will take place in all counties. Some of the radio programmes will be broadcasted nationwide using various vernaculars.

Radio Veritas already airs a weekly discussion programme on TRC issues, "Talking Truth". Unmil Radio is encouraging survivors to talk about their experiences during the war in "Straight from the Heart". Talking Drum Studio uses radio news programmes, radio drama, live drama performances and focus discussion groups in several counties to raise awareness about the TRC.

Journalists assigned by their media houses to follow the TRC process will receive special training. It is important that cautious efforts are undertaken to engage the media not necessarily as public information agents but by building their capacity on how to engage with and report on the TRC process.

The wide range of activities is intended to allow all Liberians to familiarize themselves with the aims and procedures of the TRC. This will ensure that they will benefit from the process and collective ownership of the process will be enhanced. The TRC is now calling on all its partners to support the campaign.