Posted to the web 23 April 2008

 

 

Philadelphia-area Liberians, come to ACANA on April 26^th at 9 am to learn more about the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and about giving your statement. 

 

At the request of the Liberian Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights is coordinating a project to collect statements from thousands of Liberians living in the Diaspora.

 

Statements bear witness to the human rights abuses and humanitarian violations that occurred during the Liberian civil crises during the past two decades. Working with Liberian community partners around the globe, The Advocates is mirroring the TRC process underway in Liberia. This groundbreaking project gives Liberians in the Diaspora a voice in the promotion of international justice and human rights as part of the truth, justice, accountability and reconciliation processes in Liberia.

 

The TRC wants to hear about what caused the crises in Liberia, what human rights violations you and your family experienced between 1979 and 2003, what your life has been like since leaving Liberia, and what recommendations you have for reconciliation and justice.

 

On April 26^th, a Philadelphia-area TRC statement-taking team from University of Pennsylvania Law School’s Transnational Legal Clinic will host a meeting to discuss the TRC with leaders from within the Liberian community in Philadelphia.

 

They will be answering questions and discussing the TRC generally, as well as explaining the statement-taking process. They hope to hear from the community about how to best facilitate the statement-taking process and ensure full participation by Philadelphia-area Liberians.

 

In addition, they will be speaking about the upcoming public hearings planned for June 9-16, 2008, and how Liberians in Philadelphia can become involved in them.

 

So if you have a story to tell, or just want to learn more about the TRC, please come to ACANA, 5521 Chester Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143, on April 26, 2008 at 9am.

 

If you cannot attend this meeting, but are still interested in giving your statement, getting involved, or just learning more, please call (215) 898-8427 and ask for Sarah Paoletti.