Monrovia, Liberia – The Executive Director for the office of the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (EWECCL), Dr. Jallah Barbu has underscored the importance of trauma healing and reconciliation process in the wake of the full establishment of the courts in Liberia.
Dr. Barbu stated that psychological, method health, and treating trauma are essential to the nation’s transitional justice process while speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Lutheran church of Liberia at the trauma healing and reconciliation program.
He clarified that trauma recovery is crucial, particularly when considering the number of individuals who still require healing due to the crisis and those who are still trying to figure out why Liberians went to war in the first place.
According to Cllr. Barbu, although Liberia is improving, certain problems remain because some individuals oppose changes purely out of personal gain. He asserted that, “it is our responsibility as participants in the fields of healing, transitional justice, and peacebuilding to serve as examples for others.”
He said Liberia will play a major role in the healing process if it is elected and assumes a place on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member.
He revealed that now is not the time to become weary of the process, “but to rally ourselves, put our best foot forward, and do all in our power to fulfill our main assignment.”
The OWECC-L Boss reminded them of their crucial role in the process while praising the Lutheran church, particularly its section dedicated to trauma healing and reconciliation, for its contributions to these efforts over the years.
“Your part is crucial; you have the ability to get your hands dirty and start working from the tables to the field to change this process. At OWECC-L, we think that if we work together, we will finish the task,” he said.
Cllr. Barbu noted that some sceptics don’t believe the courts will be established, he added that he is confident that they will fulfill their mandate to ensure that the courts are established in Liberia given the amount of work completed and other ongoing activities and plans that are in the works.
“The Liberian people accepted and initiated this process, it is a home growned one and we need to take ownership of it , we are leading this and we are all stakeholders of it,” Barbu said.
He urged the church to put up their best effort to ensure the procedure is successful. The Lutheran church was given the assurance by the OWECC-L as part of the MOU that it will collaborate with them to address important issues and make direct interventions at the scene of the atrocity, particularly in light of the tragic history of the Lutheran church massacre.
Drawing the church’s attention to some of the issues at hand, he urged them to recognize the importance of teaching the history of the tragic event in Lutheran schools. Whether or not the students are Lutherans, it is important that they understand and are well-informed about it.
In addition, he made note of the necessity of setting aside a section of the Lutheran church property for memorialization and respect. Cllr. Barbu also informed the group that the OWECC-L has a very strong and active psychosocial section that contributes to the nation’s healing process.
“Our young Ambassadors are working really hard to gather accurate information to aid the process at St. Peter’s Lutheran School, one of 10 schools we are piloting as part of our grade school Ambassadorial program,” he said.
Cllr. Barbu also reaffirmed the OWECC-L’s commitment to the trauma healing and reconciliation program and the MOU with the Lutheran Church of Liberia. “We will take this document very seriously as a living one and will implement it to the fullest,” he said.
Speaking during the signing event, F. Philip L. Nushann Jr., the director of the Lutheran Church of Liberia’s trauma healing and reconciliation program, praised the relationship and pledged to cooperate in upholding it.
In addition to preaching and teaching the Bible, he emphasized that one of the key beliefs of the Lutheran church has been healing.
“It’s a terrific relationship, and we appreciate you letting the church be a part of this important national process. We’re ready, willing, and able to coordinate and work together,” he added.
