By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia— The Vice President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, has called on the National Legislature to take urgent action toward the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the implementation of justice and reparations for victims and survivors of Liberia’s civil conflicts.
Speaking at the 17th anniversary celebration of the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association (LIMASA), Cllr. Kelley said Liberia must move beyond promises and take concrete steps to address impunity, deliver justice and restore hope to thousands of survivors and families affected by the country’s civil wars.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Restoring Hope and Seeking Justice for Victims and Survivors of the Liberian Civil War.”
Cllr. Kelley paid tribute to survivors who have spent years transforming their pain, grief and personal experiences into advocacy for truth, justice and national healing.
“Survivors have refused to let memory die,” she emphasized, noting that many victims continue to live with the physical, emotional and psychological consequences of the war despite the end of active conflict.
A major focus of her national call to action was the urgent establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court.
She urged the National Legislature to prioritize the enactment of the necessary legislation and called for adequate and timely funding for the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
According to Cllr. Kelley, justice and reconciliation must go hand in hand, warning that genuine national healing cannot be achieved if survivors are asked to forgive while their experiences remain unheard and accountability remains absent.
Additionally, She listed four major national commitments, including listening to survivors through regular consultations across affected counties; delivering reparations and care; preserving truth and memory; and building a culture that prevents the recurrence of violence, corruption and impunity.
Among the measures proposed are accessible healthcare, trauma-informed counseling, education and livelihood opportunities, as well as support for widows, orphans, persons living with war-related disabilities and elderly survivors.
The AFELL Vice President also called for the protection of massacre sites, the establishment of dignified memorials and the ethical documentation of survivor testimonies. She further emphasized the need for stronger peace and human rights education for younger generations.
“To the Government and the National Legislature, history has placed a solemn responsibility before you,” she declared, urging national leaders to make survivor-centered justice a priority supported by law, budgetary allocations and measurable action.
However, International partners were also encouraged to provide long-term support through technical assistance, resources, witness protection and trauma care while respecting Liberia’s ownership of its justice process.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Kelley also challenged civil society organizations and the media to continue documenting Liberia’s history responsibly, combat misinformation and amplify the voices of survivors without exploiting their pain.
As LIMASA marks 17 years of advocacy, she praised the organization for preserving the memories of victims and serving as a voice for survivors across Liberia.
The AFELL Vice President appealed for Liberia to confront its past through truth, accountability and justice, stressing that the country cannot secure its future by remaining silent about the suffering of its people.
She urged Liberians to ensure that the anniversary becomes more than a commemoration, but a turning point toward concrete national action for justice, reparations and lasting healing for victims and survivors of Liberia’s civil wars.
