[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2145-S2146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE IN SIERRA LEONE

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise to join my colleagues 
from Wisconsin and Tennessee in co-sponsoring Senate Resolution 54, 
which was introduced on February 25. This resolution makes a strong, 
and much needed statement about U.S. concern and commitment to African 
peace and stability.
  In the past several years, Sierra Leonians have seen their country go 
through a tumultuous period. On May 24, 1997, the Armed Forces 
Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) 
seized control of Sierra Leone. The United States demanded that 
democratically elected President Tejan Kabbah be reinstated 
immediately.
  Although diplomatic efforts by the United States and the Economic 
Community of West African States failed, a West African intervention 
force, (ECOMOG), was authorized by the international community to 
intervene, and it was successful in removing the unrecognized military 
rulers from power. On March 10, 1998, President Kabbah returned after 
10 months in exile and reassumed control.
  Unfortunately violence continues to ravage the country. In January of 
this year, RUF launched an offensive to take the capital, Freetown. 
Though ECOMOG drove rebel forces from the city, numerous reports of 
rape, mutilations, kidnapping of children for forced combat, and 
killings of innocent civilians by RUF forces continue to surface.
  Official estimates report that in the last 2 months alone, the death 
toll has reached 2,000 to 3,000 people, with many also dying from lack 
of food and medicine. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 
estimates the number of refugees fleeing to Guinea and Liberia at 
440,000.
  The administration has expressed shock and horror regarding the 
desperate situation in Sierra Leone and I am pleased that they have 
indicated they will provide $1.3 million for logistical support for 
ECOMOG in 1999, and $55 million for humanitarian assistance for the 
people of Sierra Leone. This Resolution builds on the administration's 
efforts, and calls for a strong U.S. commitment to end the violence and 
suffering in Sierra Leone.
  First, it condemns the violence committed by the rebel troops and 
those

[[Page S2146]]

that provide them with financial, political, and other types of 
assistance.
  Second, it supports increased U.S. political and logistical support 
for ECOMOG, while recognizing the need for ECOMOG to improve its 
performance and increase its respect for humanitarian law.
  Third, it calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and 
the observance of human rights.

  Fourth, it supports a dialogue between members of the conflict in 
order to bring about a resolution.
  Finally, it expresses support for the people of Sierra Leone in their 
endeavor to create and maintain a stable democratic society.
  The situation in Sierra Leone and the influx of refugees to 
neighboring countries threatens the stability of the entire West 
African region. This is not a time for the United States and the 
international community to turn our backs. The people of Sierra Leone 
have already suffered too much and will suffer even more if we do not 
act. Rather, this is the time to stand firmly on the side of peace and 
democracy and the betterment of the lives of all Sierra Leonians.
  By passing this legislation, we are making a strong statement in 
support of the efforts to contain and bring to a peaceful end this 
conflict. We have seen all too many times, in all too many places 
around the world the price that is paid if we choose to avert our eyes 
and allow violence to flourish. We should not make that mistake. We 
should not hesitate to raise our voice. I encourage all my colleagues 
to vote in favor of this resolution and in favor of human rights and 
justice in Sierra Leone.

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