MONROVIA – The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), in collaboration with various transitional justice partners, has officially launched a National Outreach Campaign under the banner “Justice for All.” This initiative aims to actively engage citizens throughout Liberia’s 15 counties and the diaspora, focusing on promoting accountability, reforming justice, and enhancing civic education.
The launch signifies a pivotal move toward the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court, set to come into operation in November 2027 and November 2026, respectively. The outreach campaign is guided by a National Communication and Outreach Strategy that emphasizes inclusive engagement, truth-telling, and survivor-centric narratives.
At the launch event, Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of OWECC-L, highlighted the critical need for nationwide involvement to combat impunity, uphold the rule of law, and ensure accountability within Liberia. “To address impunity, support the rule of law, and ensure accountability in the country, I now declare the launch of the national outreach program,” stated Dr. Barbu.
Dr. Barbu urged all Liberians to collaborate with the OWECC-L to realize the office’s goals, emphasizing that justice must be accessible to everyone: “Justice is everybody’s business. Delayed justice is not denied justice.”
He also reassured attendees that establishing the Anti-Corruption Court and the War and Economic Crimes Court is a gradual process. “This is a process, not an event. We have to be patient and careful,” he noted, confirming that OWECC-L will engage with citizens across Liberia to inform them about the courts’ importance and timelines.
This campaign comes on the heels of Executive Order No. 148, signed by President Boakai, which renews and expands OWECC-L’s mandate to lead the establishment of a court aimed at prosecuting war and economic crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts. The order responds directly to Joint Resolution #JR-001/2024 from the Liberian legislature, which advocated for the creation of an Extraordinary Criminal Court for wartime offenses and a separate Anti-Corruption Court.
Dr. Barbu remarked on the significance of this effort in fighting impunity, reiterating the government’s commitment to justice and adherence to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. The resolution also proposes measures including reparations, a national apology, and the establishment of memorials, illustrating a comprehensive approach to national healing and accountability.
The event attracted officials from the Liberian government, the diplomatic community, and representatives from civil society, all emphasizing the importance of advancing Liberia’s justice framework. Human rights organizations continue to call for timely implementation and adequate funding to operationalize these critical courts.
The Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established in 2005, has long advocated for the creation of a specialized court to hold responsible parties accountable for atrocities committed during the civil wars, which caused the deaths of an estimated 250,000 individuals and displaced over a million more. As Liberia moves forward, the “Justice for All” campaign seeks to ensure that the voices of survivors and victims are heard and that the country embarks on a path toward genuine reconciliation and justice for all its citizens.
