Commissioner Massa Washington

                                                                                                              
Speaking to Liberians during the regular monthly meeting of the Liberian Association of Metropolitan Atlanta (LAMA), Commissioner Washington briefed the body about the TRC’s mandate and was quick to point out that of all the TRC’s in the world, the Liberian TRC is unique because it is the only one that has tried to reach citizens outside the country.  She further explained the objectives of the TRC and highlighted the importance of Liberians in the Diaspora being involved in the process.

According to Commissioner Washington, a similar initiative has already being launched in the state of Minnesota, where the Liberian population is estimated to be over 25,000. She was careful to inform the body that the TRC does not have the budget to implement the Diaspora initiative, but given the importance members of the commission attaches to the participation of Liberians in the Diaspora, they were soliciting assistance from Liberian community organizations, non-profit organizations, human rights organization and other individuals and organizations that may be interested in helping to facilitate the process without extra cost to the commission.

Citing the example of Liberians residing in the state of Minnesota, Commissioner Washington lauded the efforts of the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights for providing pro bono services from statement takers in the Minnesota area. She then expressed the hope that Liberians residing in Atlanta could emulate the Minnesota example. She called on the leadership of LAMA to liaise with local legal NGO’s to see what kind of assistance can be granted.

She used the occasion to clarified media reports that a visiting dignitary to Liberia had complained that the TRC’s budget was too extravagant and needed to be streamlined. She also made it clear that the TRC has the power to amicably invite any potential witness or violator of human rights abuses to appear. If that effort fail, “we have subpoena powers,” to subpoena even Her Excellency, Madam Sirleaf, “the Commissioner added.

Commissioner Washington was accompanied by representatives from the Carter Center and Cultural Ambassador, Juli Endee, Founder of Crusaders of Peace, who used the occasion to brief the body of her work with the TRC, and the project her organization is presently undertaking to build a children and women’s village in Fendell, Liberia.