Map source: CIA World Factbook

Following a period of transitional governance and extensive national dialogue, on May 12, 2005, the Act to Establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Liberia was passed by the National Transitional Legislative Assembly and the TRC was tasked with investigating the truth about the human rights violations that had occurred during the nation’s civil war. In late 2005, following a widespread consultative process and public nominations, nine national Commissioners were selected to make up the TRC panel. 

The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Project was launched by The Advocates for Human Rights on June 22, 2006. The project is designed to give Liberian refugees in the U.S. a role in promoting international justice and human rights as part of the truth and reconciliation process in Liberia. The project will also raise awareness of transitional justice mechanisms and the Liberian process here in the United States. The Advocates is coordinating the project at the request of the Liberian TRC.

The mission of The Advocates for Human Rights is to implement international human rights standards to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. The Advocates was founded in 1983 by a group of Minnesota lawyers who recognized the community’s unique spirit of social justice as an opportunity to promote and protect human rights here at home and worldwide. We are a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that investigates and exposes human rights violations; represents immigrants and refugees in our community who are victims of human rights abuses; trains and assists groups that protect human rights; and works through education and advocacy in Minnesota to engage the public, policy-makers and children about human rights and cultural understanding. The Advocates holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.