By Deng Ghai Deng
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ruben Madol Arol, and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Guang Cong convened to address ongoing challenges in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement and to discuss urgent human rights issues in the country.
Following their meeting, Cong addressed the media, underlining a focus on boosting support for judicial reforms and improving the coordination between UNMISS and the South Sudan Ministry of Justice.
Cong emphasized the need for active intervention to extend justice reforms beyond the capital Juba to state levels.
“We discussed about the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, how we can better support, and the coordination of our efforts to support the ministry of justice in areas of the judicial reforms,” Cong told the media.
“I assured his honourable of the full support of UNMISS and the United Nations in this regard.”
The implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which is critical to stabilizing South Sudan, continues to face significant obstacles, including political infighting and inadequate infrastructure.
Dr. Gabriel Isaac Awow, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said that Cong inquired about two significant transitional justice bills: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Conversation and Repatriation Authority.
Awow noted that these bills are progressing through the legislative process and are currently in their third reading.
“The minister assured UNMISS that the laws will be implemented across South Sudan and that human rights issues will be promptly addressed,” Awow stated.
Despite these assurances, observers have expressed scepticism. Critics argue that tangible progress on human rights and transitional justice remains limited, pointing to a gap between legislative advancements and actual implementation on the ground.