In May 2004, staff and volunteers of The Advocates for Human Rights traveled to Sierra Leone to monitor the transitional justice process in that West African country, which is emerging from more than ten years of devastating civil war. The conflict received international attention for widespread human rights abuses, including amputations, sexual violence, and the forcible recruitment of child soldiers. Two mechanisms have been established to help Sierra Leone’s transition to peace: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is charged with creating a historical record of the conflict and making recommendations to address the needs of victims, and the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which is prosecuting those who bear the greatest responsibility for grave violations of international humanitarian law. This session discusses The Advocates' work in Sierra Leone as well as the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission more broadly. Suggested Audience: General audience
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