Special Remarks by Mr Yacoub El Hillo, UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, at the National Colloquium on the Implementation of the TRC Recommendations

Gbarnga-Liberia: 

Good Morning all, and please allow me to stand on existing protocol.

I am delighted to be with you all in Gbarnga to participate in this epoch-making colloquium on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations. This colloquium is an opportunity to add the voice of the United Nations to the conversations taking place on accountability, reconciliation and peace consolidation in Liberia.  

Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Liberia so far has enjoyed 15 years of uninterrupted stability crowned by the successful completion in March 2018, of an extended peacekeeping period. We at the United Nations believe that for the gains that have been realized to be sustainable, grievances from the past must be addressed. The series of conversations that will take place in the colloquium from today will hopefully contribute to this. I therefore urge all participants to be frank, constructive and solution oriented, bearing in mind that the overarching need for peace, stability, progress and economic development of Liberia can only be sustained if Liberians speak out and dialogue on how to heal the wounds of the past.

There is general agreement that efforts to build sustainable peace in post conflict states are not durable without equally establishing the rule of law. Rule of Law in this instance presupposes remedies and redress for violations, and dedicated efforts to seek closure to the past and forge a peaceful future. Conversely, there cannot be development in any society without peace and that sustainable peace cannot be fully consolidated without the respect for human rights.

To achieve sustainable peace, there is the need for Liberians to continue to respect the right and dignity of one another, promote access to justice, ensure inclusive and equitable growth, increase basic quality services for all, and establish capable institutions able to resolve conflicts and enforce laws fairly. In any country where the rule of law is not effectively administered, injustice, violence against women and girls, corruption, and general criminality are often endemic.

Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

The United Nations strongly believes that addressing the question of accountability is essential to achieving long lasting peace and fostering full reconciliation.

On accountability, Liberians, all Liberians, have the right and the opportunity to discuss and agree on the restorative mechanism they want to put in place to bring closure to this important question. This mechanism need not come from outside and need not be set up outside. It can be right here, led and owned by Liberians. As long as it is in conformity with international standards and as long as it is credible in the eyes of the victims and their families and the public at large.

The United Nations strongly believes that implementing the recommendations of the TRC is one of the essential channels of achieving long lasting peace and fostering full reconciliation. As such, this colloquium is an excellent opportunity for all to discuss a mutually agreeable mechanism to bring closure to the past. This colloquium is imperative as it strives to convene all stakeholders to agree on the way forward with the TRC recommendations. 

The UN is committed to continue supporting the government and the people of Liberia in their quest for lasting stability, peace and reconciliation. 

Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

For any country to attain enviable heights among the comity of nations, there must be sustainable peace. And sustainablepeace means that the probability of using destructive conflict, oppression and violence to solve problems is so low that it doesnot form part of any party's strategy, while the probability of using cooperation, dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to promote social justice is the norm. 

In closing, please allow me to share the United Nations vision for Liberia: which is “To support Liberia to become a reconciled, transformed and prosperous nation anchored on accountable institutions and equitable, inclusive sustainable development”. This vision is achievable if all Liberians rise to the occasion of placing national interests over and above any other interest.

Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the United Nations in Liberia, I would like to commit our solidarity with the Government and people of Liberia towards promoting peace, stability, reconciliation and development in the country. Finally, I extend the congratulations of the UN to the INHCR and participating organizers of this colloquium. 

Thank you.