Women Press for War Crimes Court
By Alloycious David

February 28, 2008 - (The News) A conglomeration of women groups under the banner of the Grand Kru County Women has stressed the need for the establishment of a war crime court to prosecute perpetrators of the Liberian armed conflict on ground that fighters forced them into prostitution and sexual slavery.

In a testimony presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), at the weekend in Barclayville City, Grand Kru County through their spokesperson, Annie Wreh said the court should be similar to the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone.

She said they have observed that perpetrators of the conflict are not showing interest in the TRC process.

"Mr. Commissioner, we injected the need for the establishment of a war crime court in our recommendations because we are disappointed. We were of the conviction that we would have the opportunity to face perpetrators during these hearings," Madam Wreh responded to a question from Commissioner John Stewart.

She noted that the court will deter individuals with sinister motives and punished perpetrators.

Testifying further Madam Wreh narrated that many women and girls were raped and adducted by fighters of various warring factions.

She disclosed that women and girls children were forced into prostitution, tortured and exposed to sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

She said that raping of women and girls has resulted into the increase of teenage pregnancy noting that women in the county are far back in education.

Wreh: "Looting was the objective of the fighters. We were also neglected by our husbands. We are traumatized and need counseling."

She stressed the need for the promotion of good governance and the rule of law in Liberia because according to her these are issues that resulted into the civil conflict.

She has called on the government and the international community to prioritize the construction of health centers and provide medical services for victims of rape in the county.

The Grand Kru women are also advocating for reparation for women whose husbands and children were killed during the civil war.

They also stressed to need for the equal distribution of the country's resources so that every part of the country can benefit from development initiative.

The women spokesperson said that omen were concerned about the enactment and enforcement of laws which protect the rights of women and girls.

Madam Wreh challenged her colleagues to put the past behind them and respect the human rights of others.

From:http://allafrica.com/stories/200802280903.html