Weah urged to establish war crimes court

Liberian citizens have called on President George Weah to establish a war crimes court to bring justice for atrocities committed during the country’s civil wars. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which operated between 2006 and 2009, recommended creating a war crimes court – the Extraordinary Criminal Court for Liberia – to try those responsible for grave crimes committed during the armed conflicts from 1986-96 and 1999-2003. That recommendation has never been carried out, and no one implicated in abuses has been prosecuted. Human Rights Watch (HRW) notes that Liberians suffered widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law such as mass killings, rape and other forms of sexual violence, summary executions, mutilation and torture, and use of child combatants. It said Liberia was obligated under international law to ensure that serious abuses were investigated and that those responsible were appropriately brought to justice. NGOs around the world have presented a submission to the UN Human Rights Committee on the need for trials of past crimes in Liberia. The Liberian Bar Association last month added its support for a war crimes court.