A pro democracy group, the Center for Legislative Development, Civil Rights and Judiciary Watch (CLD) yesterday joined other pro democracy institutions and civil society organizations around the world in launching the manifesto for the in-depth reform of the system of international system.

The launching ceremony took place at the old Executive Pavilion on Broad Street and brought together institutions and civil organizations.

The campaign which is simultaneously taking place around the globe is aimed at recruiting signatures to petition the UN General Assembly by 2009 to take steps that will safeguard future generations from war, poverty, injustice cultural uniformities and environmental degradation.

CLD Liberia Executive Director, James N. Jensen highlighted on the uniqueness of the campaign and declared the seriousness of the challenges facing humanity.

He stated the weakening and marginalization of the system of international institutions regarding peace and security issues has led to unilateral use of force in recent armed conflict, than promoting conflict resolution.

Mr. Jensen maintained that the reform that rights groups around are seeking is aimed at compelling the world body to proclaim that a fairer world is possible and to reclaim democratic entitlement for all. 

CLD Executive told the gathering that the in-depth reform of the system of international institutions seeks to guarantee democratic governance to resolve problems and challenges that face the entire world.

He said the campaign will strengthen world peace and security, embracing human and environmental security based on justice and freedom as well as the establishment of mechanism to enable the world’s citizens and civil society organizations to achieve direct representation and participation in global decision making process.

The campaign was officially launched in Liberia by the Executive Director of the Liberia Democratic Institution Dan Sayeh who noted that the pursuit of these goals requires a stronger more democratic UN placed at the centre of a consistent, democratic responsible, effective system of intercultural institutions.

Catholic Church Wants Census Date Extended

The Catholic Church of Liberia has joined other religious institutions pleading for adjustment in the day set aside for the commencement of census. According to the government, Friday is the day census will begin and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has already issued a proclamation to that effect.

The church in a press statement narrated that it believes that participation in the upcoming 2008 Census is a civic responsibility, and that Census is meant to serve the interest of all Liberians, especially for developmental purposes.

Rev. Msgr. Andrew J. Karnley said Christians also have a sacred obligation to observe and celebrate day in the calendar of the Christian Church.

In the wake of the conflict that mars the commencement of census and Good Friday, the church observed that Christians are torn between two equally important obligations, civic and religious duties.

“As such, it would be prudent and even expedient that government does not ignore the sacredness that the Christian Church attaches to Good Friday,” the statement said.

According to the church, out of respect for the religious sensitivity of Christians, an adjustment in the date for the commencement of the Census would enable Christians fulfill their religious duty on Good Friday and also fully participate in the census subsequently.

“We once again strongly appeal to government to see reason for the census to begin on any other day than Good Friday, Hold Saturday and Easter Sunday,” Catholic Church said.

The Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Rev. John Innis, also President of the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) is also angry by the move and called on the government to do something. But, according to observers, the appeared determined and poised to go ahead with the process on the day in question.

LMC Launches Report On Media TRC Coverage

The Liberia Media Center (LMC) is today, March 20, releasing preliminary findings on the media coverage of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) public hearings covering January and February. 

A release issued yesterday quoted the LMC as saying that the research targeted eight newspapers and four radio stations.

The newspapers include The Inquirer, The Daily Observer, Analyst, Heritage, The News, National Chronicle, Public Agenda and the New Democrat while the four radio stations include ELBC, Radio Veritas, Truth FM and Star Radio.

According to the LMC statement under the signature of its Executicve Director, Lawrence Randall, the research was aimed at monitoring the quality of media reports of the TRC public hearings; evaluating the media understanding of the process and legal, institutional framework; assessing the depth and relevance media outlets were devoting to articles on the TRC; and the media adherence to its code of ethics.

The release said the project is funded by UNESCO Paris and the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). The release says the TRC Chairman Cllr. Jerome Verdier has been invited to launch the report.

As part of its recommendations to be released today, the Center has called on the Commission to conduct an internal probe into the alleged fighting reported by the news media involving two Commissioners of the TRC.

LMC said it is important for the TRC to lead by example and such inquiry and subsequent findings would help improve what already seems an unfavorable perception of the TRC process in some quarters of society.

While calling for international and national support for the finalization of the Commission’s work, the Center also enjoined the President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf not to abandon her earlier pledge to face the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“By facing the TRC, the President would lend further credibility to the process, provide the necessary momentum for its finalization and improve public perception of the TRC process”, the release quotes Lawrence Randall, the Center’s Executive Director.

On the media, the center encouraged media institutions to keep their focus on the TRC hearings and improve the contents of their coverage. Full details of the report and its accompanying recommendations will be released on Thursday, the release noted.