Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia Strengthens Women’s Advocacy for War and Economic Crimes Court

Monrovia, Liberia: The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), in collaboration with Integrity Watch, has climaxed a day-long workshop aimed at strengthening women-led organizations for advocacy on the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia.

The event, held under the theme “Amplifying Women’s Voices: Strengthening Women-Led Organizations for Justice and Inclusion in Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court,” is supported by the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund.

Speaking at the event, WONGOSOL’s Executive Director, Esther Yango, emphasized the need for greater female participation in the process, noting that women were among the most vulnerable during Liberia’s civil wars.

She stated that the organization is working with various women’s groups to educate communities and encourage women to get actively involved in advocating for the establishment of the court.

"The more we see women in leadership positions, the more women's issues will be amplified," Madam Yango stated.

She urged Liberians to combat misinformation surrounding the court’s formation, stressing that it is not intended to target specific individuals but to ensure justice.

WONGOSOL Executive Director: "I want to inform all Liberians that the establishment of the war crimes court is not to witch-hunt anyone but to ensure that we have justice as Liberians."

She highlighted the rampant corruption in Liberia and the need for the court to be established to serve as a deterrent against financial and war-related crimes.

"There are a lot of crises going on right now. Look at the economic status; there are lots of leaders we have elected and have appointed. They are so corrupt; therefore, we need this court to be rogues," she added.

Also speaking at the workshop, the Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, Cllr. Jallah Barbu, disclosed that Liberia could see its first indictment by 2027.

Cllr. Barbu acknowledged that there is still much work to be done while adding that significant progress has been made, particularly in collaboration with various institutions.

He stressed the importance of outreach, public awareness, and education, particularly through the involvement of women.

“We cannot overlook the participation of women. They have been at the forefront of peace efforts and have continuously advocated for justice. “We are looking for groups of women to take leadership roles in encouraging survivors to speak out.”

Addressing gender-based violence (GBV), Barbu acknowledged the stigma that often silences survivors. He underscored the need for safe spaces where women can support each other and share their experiences, adding that these testimonies will play a crucial role in shaping the court’s legal framework.

“When we talk about GBV, sexual assault, and wartime rape, we must understand what these mean in the Liberian context,” he said. “Women who have suffered these crimes need to be protected, which is why we are working on a strong witness protection program to ensure their safety,” he said.

Cllr. Jallah Barbu

He also emphasized the importance of including people with disabilities in the justice process, stating that mechanisms are being put in place to ensure equal access and representation.

Regarding concerns over donor funding, particularly the rumored closure of USAID programs, Barbu reassured stakeholders that the establishment of the WECC is a Liberia-led process.

According to him, the government of Liberia is obligated to support the initiative while also acknowledging the role of international partners such as the European Union.

The workshop highlighted the critical role of women in Liberia’s justice and reconciliation efforts and reinforced the urgency of establishing a court that will hold perpetrators of war and economic crimes accountable.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.