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It is misleading to suggest that Sierra Leoneans do not support the U.N.-backed
special court created to address atrocities committed during their country's
civil war ["Sierra
Leone Special Court's Narrow Focus," news story, March 26].
An independent analyst's report from March 2007 found that 85 percent of
Sierra Leoneans believe the court can break the cycle of violence and that 90
percent believe peace cannot be achieved without justice. Justice is a
necessity, not a choice.
This survey was based on more than 8,000 interviews, not just on the views of
a few people.
The article also reported opinions that the money used to create and operate
the court could have been better spent on other things, such as development. But
the court's funds come primarily from donors paying for "special justice
initiatives," funds not available for other purposes.
The court connects with the affected populations through outreach programs.
Each year, officers conduct thousands of meetings in rural villages to explain
the court's work. Through newspaper, radio and television reports and Internet
streaming of trials, the court reaches people throughout Sierra Leone, Liberia
and the rest of West
Africa.
The special court is the first of its kind to hold trials in the country
where the offenses are alleged. And for the first time anywhere, individuals
have been convicted for the recruitment and use of child soldiers and for acts
of terrorism in a civil war.
HERMAN VON HEBEL
Registrar
BINTA MANSARAY
Deputy Registrar
Special Court for Sierra Leone
Freetown,
Sierra Leone
Advancing
Justice in Sierra Leone - washingtonpost.com
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