-Aims at aiding them to take ownership of the Reconciliation and Peace-building process of the county
In an effort to enhance the reconciliation and peace-building process in Liberia, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has rolled out a series of capacity-building trainings. These trainings were specifically designed to empower individuals in the local communities to actively participate in the reconciliation and peace-building process. With the generous support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the INCHR aimed to strengthen the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations.
The seen days training which started on June 26, 2023, in Bopolu City focused on three key groups: awareness givers, statement takers, and Palava Hut hearing committee members according to the Transitional Justice Officer at INCHR, Mr. Joseph Blamiyon.
He said each group played a vital role in fostering understanding, recording testimonies, and facilitating dialogue within the community. “By enhancing the capacities of these individuals, the local communities will become more self-reliant in driving the reconciliation process utilizing the palava hut mechanism.”
Meanwhile, the first training that lasted from June 26-27, 2023was conducted for Palava Hut hearing committee members. These nine individuals, three females, and four males were appointed by their respective communities to serve on committees that would facilitate dialogue and reconciliation within the traditional palace system.
The training focused on conflict resolution, mediation techniques, and the principles of restorative justice. The committee members were encouraged to foster an inclusive and participatory process, ensuring that all voices be heard and respected. They were also taught how to effectively manage disagreements and guide discussions toward peaceful resolutions.
The second training segment that six people was focused on statement takers from Wednesday, June 28, 2023, to Friday, June 30, 2023. These individuals are responsible for collecting and documenting testimonies from community members who had been affected by past conflicts according to the Transitional Justice Officer Joseph Blamiyon of INCHR.
“My name is Leone Momo, one of the statement takers. He said, “We were trained to record testimonies, allowing survivors to share their stories,” he said, this will help the Palava hut hearing committee members to facilitate productive discussions, leading to peaceful resolutions and healing within the community.”
This is why the Transitional Justice Officer said that the statements takers were trained on the sensitive nature of their role, emphasizing the need for confidentiality, neutrality, and respect. The statement takers learned how to create a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and traumas without judgment. They were also taught effective note-taking and documentation methods to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the testimonies according to Mr. Blamiyon.
Besides, as for the awareness givers, these nine individuals were selected from various sectors of the community, including religious leaders, teachers, and community organizers. This training which runs from July 1-2, 2023 aimed to equip them with comprehensive knowledge about the reconciliation process, the importance of forgiveness and healing, and the role of dialogue in community development. The awareness givers are being taught effective communication skills and techniques to engage with community members, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and empathy.
in an exclusive interview, one of the awareness givers, Hawa N. Barker said, “Our main role is to spread knowledge about reconciliation and peace-building, raising awareness among community members and encouraging for the palava hut dialogue that will be organized after the note-takers.”
She said, “We first go in creating awareness in Bopolu City, Henry town, and Tumuquelleh towns ahead of statements taking and the palava huts meeting.
As the training ends on Sunday, July 2, 2023, selected communities in Bopolu district: Bopolu City, Henry Town, and Tumuquelleh towns are expected to begin to witness awareness activities and palava hut meetings.
Through the combined capacity-building training, the INCHR Human Rights Education Officer, Annie D. Knuckles said that her institution through the support of UNDP Liberia is gradually empowering the local communities to take ownership of the reconciliation and peace-building process.
“The palaver hut mechanism has been recognized as a powerful tool for fostering understanding, forgiveness, and healing after the Liberian civil war according to Annie. She is therefore encouraging communities of Bopolu Bopolu District to embrace the opportunity to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, working together to create a brighter and more peaceful future.
