[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7172-S7173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            WAR CRIMES TRIAL

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, earlier this week in a special chamber 
of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, based in The Hague, proceedings 
began in the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is 
accused of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and serious violations 
of international

[[Page S7173]]

law committed during Sierra Leone's 11-year civil war. Tens of 
thousands died in this conflict that ended in 2002, and more than a 
third of Sierra Leone's 6 million people were forced to flee. His trial 
is expect to have significant impact across Sierra Leone but also 
throughout neighboring countries as his raging brutality was in no way 
confined by national borders.
  For over a decade, the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia not only 
suffered from deprivation and displacement at the hands of Charles 
Taylor, but they also endured forced recruitment of child soldiers, 
widespread and brutal sexual violence, and horrifying murders and 
mutilations. Those responsible for these crimes abandoned all human 
decency in their quest for power and wealth.
  I have long been a strong supporter of accountability mechanisms 
around the world--and in particular Sierra Leone's Special Court and 
Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I have worked to ensure that the 
United States provides appropriate financial and political support for 
such important institutions, which are crucial to building a framework 
for the rule of law in postconflict countries. I commend the court for 
taking its mandate seriously and for following the evidence where it 
led--directly to a sitting head of state.
  Despite Charles Taylor's unwillingness to appear at the opening of 
yesterday's trial, the message this critical trial sends--to current 
and would-be corrupt, violent, and brutal leaders--is momentous: the 
international community will no longer stand silently by but will 
support efforts to break the worst cycles of violence and impunity. 
When the trial continues later this month in The Hague, it is essential 
that international fair trial standards are adhered to, that robust and 
transparent outreach programs continue uninterrupted so the trial 
remains as accessible as possible to those most affected by the 
conflict and that great care is taken to ensure the security of 
victims, witnesses, and their families.
  While I welcome the proceedings in The Hague, more needs to be done 
on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia. True 
accountability for the horrific atrocities they endured will only be 
achieved when the rule of law is respected at every level in the 
governments of both countries and all citizens have access to justice. 
Great steps forward have been taken, but much more work remains. I will 
continue to press the United States and the international community not 
to desert the people of Sierra Leone--or the region--as they work to 
reconcile their grievances and seek to heal from one of Africa's worst 
conflicts.

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