Tuesday, April 8, 2008

It is misleading to suggest that Sierra Leoneans do not support the U.N.-backed special court created to address atrocities committed during their country's civil war ["Sierra Leone Special Court's Narrow Focus," news story, March 26].

An independent analyst's report from March 2007 found that 85 percent of Sierra Leoneans believe the court can break the cycle of violence and that 90 percent believe peace cannot be achieved without justice. Justice is a necessity, not a choice.

This survey was based on more than 8,000 interviews, not just on the views of a few people.

The article also reported opinions that the money used to create and operate the court could have been better spent on other things, such as development. But the court's funds come primarily from donors paying for "special justice initiatives," funds not available for other purposes.

The court connects with the affected populations through outreach programs. Each year, officers conduct thousands of meetings in rural villages to explain the court's work. Through newspaper, radio and television reports and Internet streaming of trials, the court reaches people throughout Sierra Leone, Liberia and the rest of West Africa.

The special court is the first of its kind to hold trials in the country where the offenses are alleged. And for the first time anywhere, individuals have been convicted for the recruitment and use of child soldiers and for acts of terrorism in a civil war.

HERMAN VON HEBEL

Registrar

BINTA MANSARAY

Deputy Registrar

Special Court for Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone