Truth or Reconciliation Mechanism – 2009
2009
After the national reconciliation convention of June brought over 500 delegates from all 15 counties, the TRC concluded its mandate on 30 June and submitted an unedited consolidated report to the legislature and the president. The report outlined the root cause of the conflict and expressed the view that all factions committed violations of domestic as well as international criminal and human rights law. The report had a range of recommendations on accountability, reparations, and amnesty, as well as suggestions for legal and institutional reforms. The report also recommended the establishment of an “extraordinary criminal tribunal to prosecute those identified as having committed gross violations of human rights and economic crimes. Eight leaders of the warring factions, including the former President, Charles Taylor, as well as a list of 98 individuals identified as the ‘most notorious perpetratorsÕ are among those recommended for prosecution. Thirty-six persons have been identified as being responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, but are not recommended for prosecution because they spoke truthfully before the Commission and expressed remorse. The Commission’s report also includes a ‘non-exhaustiveÕ list of 50 individuals identified as financiers or supporters of the warring factions who the Commission recommends be subject to public sanctions, including being barred from public office for a period of 30 years. That list includes the President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, among other political figures and serving members of the Government.”1 On 1 December 2009, the Commission issued a final report, with 10 of its 12 appendices completed. In the final report, the commission expanded its recommendations to include the “Palava Hut” mechanism: a traditional conflict resolution mechanism, which was to be set up in every district, where the perpetrators could publicly request forgiveness.2