The Civil Society Movement-STAND has welcomed comments by U.S. Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice, Madam Beth Van Shaack, urging Liberians to seize the opportunity to advocate for justice by supporting the War and Economic Crimes Court, promoting good governance, and facilitating asset recovery in Liberia.
The group said it stands united with Ambassador Shaack in urging the Liberian Senate to align with the House of Representatives and pass the resolution for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court.
Repeatedly, STAND has reminded the country’s leaders that there can be no excuse or delay in ensuring justice for the over 200,000 innocent Liberians, including women and children, who tragically lost their lives.
The debate on establishing a war crimes court for Liberia has persisted for far too long, despite continuous popular support from the vast majority of Liberians who demand accountability for those responsible for egregious actions against humanity and civilization.
STAND agrees that the Boakai Administration’s refusal, like many before it, to uphold its inaugural commitment to establishing an office for the feasibility of the court may be viewed as an endorsement of impunity and injustice.
While the Boakai government has made significant calls against corruption and announced an asset recovery team, these actions do not demonstrate genuine goodwill toward combating injustices and corruption without sincere efforts to establish the court.
STAND acknowledges asset recovery as a positive step forward but also emphasizes the urgent moral imperative to promptly hold accountable those responsible for war crimes. Consequently, the group highlights the risks of solely prioritizing asset recovery without simultaneously ensuring accountability for individuals allegedly implicated in severe human rights violations.
STAND has meanwhile advised the Boakai administration to refrain from prosecutorial delays, proposing a comprehensive yet resolute three-pronged strategy for accountability: actively pursuing prosecutions for war crimes, conducting audits, and recovering assets as required.
Therefore, STAND commends Ambassador Shaack for her admirable support and also acknowledges the tremendous contributions of the United States Government in fostering accountability, good governance and justice for victims.
“And to further advance justice in Liberia and build upon the support of the U.S. Government and its allies, we encourage Ambassador Shaack to persist in her efforts, engaging in meaningful dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders,” the group said.
Furthermore, STAND urges the esteemed Ambassador to increase collaboration with civil society organizations and individuals dedicated to these noble causes.
The statement: “In our pursuit of the varied objectives outlined earlier, STAND implores the international community to articulate clear consequences not only for individuals who threaten or harm advocates but also for policymakers who prolong delays in establishing the courts, thereby failing to uphold justice and accountability in their cunning political manoeuvres.”
Meanwhile, STAND reassures the U.S. Government, via its Global Ambassador at Large, that the movement remains unwavering in mobilizing and cultivating essential awareness among the people of Liberia to inspire widespread civil action, compelling policymakers to support justice initiatives.
