By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), T. Dempster Browne, has lauded the Liberian government’s renewed commitment to justice and accountability through the reissuance of an executive order establishing the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
Speaking at the office of INCHR on 20th Street, Sinkor, in a press conference, Browne emphasized that the reissued Executive Order 148, which follows the initial Executive Order 131, is a strong indication that the government is serious about prosecuting those responsible for atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil wars.
“We highly appreciate the government. The Commission commends the President. In Executive Order 148, he made it clear that two million United States dollars will be allocated to the Office of the War Crimes Court. Payments will be made quarterly, and the Ministry of Finance is instructed to ensure there is no interference in the disbursement,” he said.
Browne highlighted that the INCHR has uncovered numerous mass graves during recent field visits, further justifying the urgent need for justice.
He also announced that memorials will be constructed in counties like Grand Bassa and Rivercess to honor victims of the conflict.
A recent groundbreaking ceremony in Robertsport for such a memorial was held with the government’s support.
“These mass graves are evidence of the horrors we went through. This government’s support for memorials and now the war crimes court shows a level of seriousness we have not seen before,” Browne said.
He warned that anyone attempting to destabilize the country or incite violence would be held accountable under the framework of the future court.
“Anybody in this country now that causes trouble and people die, that person will go to The Hague if the court is not yet functional,” Browne declared.
The INCHR is also calling on the government and international partners to support nationwide public awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities.
Chairman Browne stressed that many Liberians still do not fully understand what a war crimes court entails or why it is necessary.
“There are people in the rural areas who don’t understand when you talk about war crimes. We are asking the government to help us carry out public hearings and awareness so our people are informed,” he said.
Cllr. Browne noted that establishing the court is not only a national concern but also an international process.
He therefore called on President Boakai to formally communicate with the United Nations to initiate an agreement between the UN and the Government of Liberia, which would enable the appointment of international judges and facilitate the court’s operations.
“The appointment of judges and the structure of the court depends on that agreement. We’ve discussed whether the court should be based in Monrovia or another county. There are many logistics to work out, but the will is there,” he explained.
He also reaffirmed that under international law, those who commanded or orchestrated wartime atrocities can be held accountable under the principle of command responsibility.
“During our community hearings, citizens often know who committed the killings and point them out. This will make the work of the prosecutors easier,” he added.
Browne stressed that the INCHR, while under the umbrella of the government, remains independent and must speak the truth to power to ensure justice and stability for Liberia.
“The war crimes court is not just about punishment. It’s about healing, legacy, and a stable Liberia. We owe it to the victims, and we owe it to our children,” he said.
According to him, during the recent meeting between the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and War and Economic Crimes Court, discussions focused on the next steps toward establishing the long-awaited tribunal in Liberia.“
A major point raised was the drafting and potential passage of a bill that would create the legal foundation for the court’s formation.
He emphasized that this move must be accompanied by a formal agreement between the Liberian government and the United Nations.
The commission stressed the importance of presidential engagement in initiating talks with the UN, as the appointment of judges and other key structures of the court depend on that bilateral agreement.
He further explained that discussions addressed where the court should be located, whether in Monrovia or elsewhere in the counties and how suspects would be detained and tried.
