President Should Step Up Progress on Justice for Grave Crimes
(Monrovia – Liberia) President Joseph Boakai should follow through on his commitment to justice and human rights by renewing an executive order key to establishing a war crimes court to address accountability for civil war-era crimes in the country, six human rights groups said today. The order, signed on May 2, 2024, is set to expire on May 1, 2025.
These groups include Liberian and international nongovernmental organizations: Advocates for Human Rights, Civitas Maxima, Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, Global Justice Center, Global Justice and Research Project, and Human Rights Watch.
These groups emphasize that the renewal of this executive order is a vital step in demonstrating President Boakai’s commitment to addressing the painful legacy of Liberia’s civil conflicts and providing a measure of justice for the numerous victims. The establishment of a war crimes court would offer a dedicated forum to investigate and prosecute individuals bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war years.
Adama Dempster, the Secretary-General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, underscored the critical importance of this issue, stating, “Liberia’s quest to bring closure for victims of civil war atrocities, and ensure their access to justice, remains a major priority. We call for government and international support to ensure the establishment of the court.”
The call for the renewal of the executive order comes at a crucial juncture as Liberia continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of its civil wars. The establishment of a war crimes court is seen by these human rights organizations as a significant step towards fostering reconciliation, upholding the rule of law, and ending the pervasive impunity that has persisted for far too long. They argue that holding perpetrators accountable is essential for the healing of the nation and for preventing future atrocities. The international community is also being urged to lend its support to Liberia in this endeavor, recognizing the importance of accountability for international crimes
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