Paradigm machinations

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recently released the first volume of its final report, called “Findings and Determinations”. The report is remarkably low on substantive content. Though over 100 pages long, the bulk of the report contains legal definitions, descriptions of the TRC’s mandate and structure, etc. Actual findings don’t begin until page 64 and end on page 79. Two more volumes will be coming out, so perhaps those will contain more information about the TRC’s actual findings. The specific crimes committed by perpetrators will be detailed in the Final Consolidated Report (Volume II).

I hope this report, or the next one, will be published in a less jargony English. As the report stands, it will be tough to get through for anyone without a college degree. Some parts seem to be written for an academic audience, not the Liberian public. A good example of this, from page 65:

Contrary to wide perceptions about the fissure between the settlers and natives during this period, however, which almost invariably cast the rift in terms of blacks oppressing blacks, or settlers colonizing the indigenes, the root causes of historical political tensions between the settlers and natives are far more complicated than Black Colonial paradigm machinations.

Here are parts of the first volume that I found most noteworthy. I copy some language directly from the report.

• The TRC recruited more women statement takers than men.
• 47% of all statements given to the TRC were from women.
• “Throughout most of this period (early-mid 1800s), the settlers were as much a victim of the autocratic reign of the [American Colonization Society] as the natives.”
• Though not very readable, the historical background section seems unbiased and comprehensive, and offers a complex picture of relations between the settlers and the natives.
• The TRC determines that a criminal court to adjudicate responsibility for those accused of egregious domestic crimes and gross violations of human rights and serious humanitarian law violations is appropriate.
• The TRC determines that the establishment of a National Palava Hut Forum under the aegis of the Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC) would be useful. The IHRC will organize and administer national “Palava Hut” Committees in all 64 districts to provide victims with a public venue to confront perpetrators living in their communities to hasten reintegration and reconciliation.