By Yang Ater Yang
A 3-day workshop on traditional justice has been concluded in Rumbek Lakes State. Over 42 participants were in attendance.
The workshop brought together government officials, chiefs, civil society members, security forces, youth, and women to discuss the concept of transitional justice.
Pontus Joseph, the Human Rights Acting Team Leader at the UNMISS field office in Rumbek, explained that the objective of the workshop was to train the participants on understanding how transitional justice can be used as a tool to restore peace and bring justice to victims of human rights violations and abuses, as outlined in Chapter 5 of the revitalized peace agreement.
He explained that the knowledge gained by the participants will be used to create awareness of transitional justice within the counties of Lakes State.
“In their outreach to their communities, they will educate people on the entire process of transitional justice, with the goal of enabling the population to participate meaningfully when it is implemented,” Joseph said.
Agum Joseph Kuch, a women’s leader from the Lakes State Women’s Association, said the knowledge gained during the workshop would help victims of all forms of human rights violations and abuses during the period of crisis, regardless of gender.
“It will help people to get their rights,” she said, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and restoring relationships in the community.
Mahok Malual Kodi, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission in Lakes State, said the workshop was very fruitful and well-organized.
“The participants will go to the counties and explain and implement what was taught,” he said.
Kodi also highlighted the challenges faced in addressing child rights and women’s rights in the state.
Chok Lieny Charles, the Chairperson of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Committee in the Lakes State Transitional Legislative Assembly, said the transitional justice initiative is a priority for the state, as it is outlined in Chapter 5 of the peace agreement.
He said the knowledge gained from the workshop will be immediately taken to the grassroots level in the counties and other areas.
Charles stated that they have learned a lot in the past three days and gained skills that will enable them to benefit citizens and beneficiaries in the counties.
The lawmaker said he plans to disseminate the acquired knowledge to the grassroots level immediately.
He also highlighted the partnership with UNMISS, which is a part of the treaty signed by the government of South Sudan, as well as the human rights division in Lakes State field office.
These partnerships will help in implementing the initiative and addressing human rights violations, he added.
As the chairperson of human rights, Charles mentioned that he is monitoring a number of human rights violations, and he believes that the implementation of transitional justice will help in addressing some of these violations.
He acknowledged the efforts of the government in addressing various violations such as early marriage and other abuses.