Date: Monday, June 16, 2008 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

The Special Court for Sierra Leone's Registrar, Herman von Hebel, will provide an update on the status of the Court's proceedings and activities, including the ongoing Charles Taylor trial. Former U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Joseph Melrose, will discuss how justice for war crimes can be documented for historical purposes and, more importantly, how the court infrastructure established in Freetown can be used to enhance justice in the region. Their comments will provide a unique perspective on the contribution of special courts to international law, highlight changing aspects in the field of transitional justice, and emphasize the importance of post-dissolution plans.

Speakers will include:
• Herman von Hebel Registrar, Special Court for Sierra Leone
• The Hon. Joseph H. Melrose, Jr. Former U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone & Special Advisor to the Legacy Project
• Neil Kritz, Moderator Associate Vice President, Rule of Law Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

To RSVP, please send your name, affiliation, daytime phone number, and name of the event to Rachel Steele at rsteele[at]usip.org