Ahmed Sirleaf Presenting at the Healing Through Faith Conference

The University of St. Thomas Law School's Chapter of Amnesty International has awarded Ahmed K. Sirleaf II its 2008 Human Rights Award.  In doing so, the chapter recognizes Mr. Sirleaf’s outstanding commitment to public service in defense of international human rights. Mr. Sirleaf will receive the award at the UST-Law Chapter of Amnesty International's Fourth Annual Human Rights Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. in the UST-Law Atrium located at 1100 LaSalle Avenue in Minneapolis.

As a Program Associate of The Advocates for Human Rights' Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Project, Mr. Sirleaf works tirelessly to educate the public about the TRC process and to encourage members of the Liberian community to participate in the rebuilding of Liberia into a country that respects human rights. Despite the retraumatizing effect that statement taking has for Liberians,  Mr. Sirleaf has taken statements for the TRC in

Ahmed Sirleaf Leading a Discussion at the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana

Minnesota and in Buduburam Refugee Settlement near Accra, Ghana.  He then uses this experience to help explain to other Liberian statement takers what they should expect. Mr. Sirleaf speaks regularly about the TRC in academic and other settings; and, he plays an integral role as The Advocates for Human Rights prepares for upcoming TRC public hearings in the U.S. and in drafting its report and recommendations to the TRC in Liberia.

Given the depth of the trauma suffered by most Liberians and the need for post-conflict reconciliation, Mr. Sirleaf plays the important role of an advocate for human rights in his community. The Advocates for Human Rights is proud to have Mr. Sirleaf as a member of its human rights team!

Learn more about the Liberian Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Project of The Advocates for Human Rights.