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Following the departure of former president Charles Taylor and the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement in Accra in August 2003, Liberia has entered its first period of relative calm in 14 years. The country faces significant challenges in dealing with past human rights abuses: although the Special Court for Sierra Leone has indicted Taylor, he remains in political asylum in Nigeria and out of the Court's reach; the newly established Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) lacks a legislative mandate; and the criminal justice system has been heavily politicized and is in ruins.
Since January 2004, Senior Associate Marieke Wierda, Priscilla Hayner, Research Consultant Alexander Mayer-Rieckh, and others have traveled to Liberia several times to support local civil society, enhance dialogue between key actors, and advise on security sector reform. Through workshops and ongoing advice, the ICTJ has provided input to those seeking to define the TRC's mandate. The Center has also advised the UN on effective vetting strategies for the Liberian Police. The ICTJ has partnered with the UN Mission in Liberia; the Transitional Justice Working Group, a local coalition of NGOs; and LINLEA, a local professional organization of former police officers.
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