Preservation and Promotion of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone

This project supports the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) for the preservation of its archives and the promotion of its history and legacy. The Special Court for Sierra Leone was a success story in the application of criminal law and brining perpetrators to justice following the civil war in Sierra Leone. Its successor the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone continued is legacy and this project will support the preservation of its archives and promote its achievements. Access to the court’s history is critical to the prevention of conflict as it allows for free debate and discussion about the war its causes and effects and lessons learned for all constituents of society. Project activities include: (1) storing preserving and using records and war related materials; (2) setting up electronic access to the public records; and (3) organizing an outreach and public education campaign to promote the archives nation-wide.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased discussion participation and use of the archives; (2) increased awareness and understanding of the war its causes and impact as well as transitional justice mechanisms; and (3) enhanced participation of women and grassroots communities in peace and reconciliation discussions.