Human rights groups laud NRC

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - Two human rights groups on Tuesday commended the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) for completing its work. The New York-based International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and Peru Truth and Reconciliation Commission congratulated the NRC and expressed the hope that their work would succeed in the reconciliation effort of Ghana.

Mr Juan Mendez, President of the ICTJ, said it had followed the work of the NRC closely and was convinced that its work was not only serious, but was guided by a strong commitment to integrity and compassion. "Truth commissions are almost universally asked to do the impossible, and invariably the object of protest and criticism."

It said it believed that the NRC's final Report would constitute an important contribution to the growth of Ghana as a democracy.

"I hope that the Report will be made broadly available to the public, studied and debated. Not only do your own people await your Report; other nations look to Ghana as an important example of how a past marked by abuses can become a signpost for human rights in the future; how a new trust can be built up and in so doing, forge a new democratic and just future for Ghana."

The Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission said: "For those of us who believe in the paramount worth of truth as a value in itself and as a means for genuine human healing in the aftermath of violence and injustice, the work you have done is of the highest importance." It said it was sure that the final Report and the truth it conveyed was the first step towards a real and lasting reconciliation among the people.