Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberian civil conflict that led to the deaths of hundreds of Liberians may have ended nearly two decades ago, but the wounds from that brutal experience are yet to heal. This is because the country has yet to embark on a wholesome national healing process in which victims and perpetrators reconcile or those who bear greater responsibilities for the war are punished. The nation remains deeply hurt and more divided, and the toxic political environment is not doing any better but exacerbating or deepening the wounds further.
However, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) is making steady efforts across the country to see Liberians reconcile and live in harmony.
A group of volunteers trained by the commission have been creating peace awareness and promoting reconciliation and healing within communities in Bopolu District, Gbarpolu County.
The awareness training followed a seven-day capacity-building training conducted by the INCHR with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Recognizing the importance of open dialogue and community engagement, the INCHR will organize Palava Hut dialogues in a few towns in that county next month. Some of the towns are Henry Town, Tumuquelleh, and Bopolu City, INCHR Awareness Giver Supervisor, Casius Garpeh, disclosed.
While describing the Palava hut mechanism of reconciliation as “traditional gathering,” Casius said that the event will provide a safe space for community members to come together, share their stories, and find common ground for reconciliation.
But prior to the Palava Hut dialogue taking place, the INCHR has decided to raise awareness and ensure the participation of as many community members as possible.
As a result, trained awareness givers are actively creating awareness in Bopolu district.
“INCHR believes that the success of the dialogue relied on the active involvement of those who had experienced the consequences of the 14-year civil war firsthand in Liberia. This is why Emery Ciapha said they were trained to roll out awareness ahead of the Palava Hut dialogue.”
He said that as a result, and with determination and passion, the INCHR and UNDP launched a major awareness campaign throughout Bopolu District right after the training.
“So, we are traveling to villages, towns, and remote areas, spreading the word about the upcoming Palava hut dialogue.”
She said we are organizing community meetings, holding discussions with local leaders, and engaging with individuals from all walks of life.
At the same time, Hawa Berker, one of the Nine (9) awareness giver members, said that through radio broadcasts and word-of-mouth, the message is resonating.
She said that the communities in Bopolu district have started to feel a renewed sense of hope and a readiness to confront the painful past while working towards a brighter future.
She is certain that the awareness campaign is a catalyst for change, igniting a collective desire for reconciliation and healing.
As the Palava hut dialogue approached, community members eagerly prepared to participate, knowing that this event would mark a significant milestone in their journey towards peace, according to Leone Momo.
Leone and five others are documenting testimonies from survivors that will be used during the Palava Hut dialogue in August.
“After the awareness, we are taking statements from people who were somehow affected during the war,” he said. “These statements are confidential and will be disclosed only during the dialogue; this is why the awareness team is helping to pave the way for our work.”
Meanwhile, Garpeh, has the hope that the ongoing awareness campaign and the anticipated Palava Hut dialogue are going to serve as a symbol of the power of dialogue, understanding, and community involvement in the face of terrible 14-year adversity.
He said that it is going to serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, reconciliation and healing are possible, and together, a brighter future can be built.
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