Ambassador Perry's Speeches

Reception for Special Court for Sierra Leone Management Committee (Feb 19, 2008)

Honorable Justice King,
Fellow Ambassadors,
Representatives of the Court,
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening

Thank you all for coming this evening.  I am pleased to welcome our guests from the Management Committee of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. 

The work of the Special Court is, as we all know, very important to the United States.  Seeing justice served swiftly, effectively, fairly, and universally is a model that the United States has adhered to since our inception.  The Court is an example of that model, by seeking out perpetrators, providing a forum where victims can be heard, ensuring that the justice process is transparent and fair, and making the system accountable to the people of Sierra Leone. 

While this is an international effort, the Court is a symbol of justice for and by Sierra Leoneans.  The United States is proud to be a part of this monumental and precedent-setting endeavor, and we honor the hard work you all have contributed to the Court tonight.  The Court is now entering its final phase of work, perhaps the most critical time in its lifespan. 

I know that we are all mindful of the phrase “justice delayed is justice denied.”  While we cannot let a schedule dictate how justice is served, all of us must be aware of the optimism in this country as the people of Sierra Leone seek to look to the future.  Thus, the Court must maintain its commitment to the completion strategy so that while the past is honored and remembered, the future of the country becomes the full focus of citizens and donors alike. 

We look forward to the constructive and positive legacy that the Court will leave on the continent.  I hope we can all take this opportunity to get reacquainted, and please enjoy the evening.