By Philip Buda Ladu
United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has called on the African Union (AU) and the international community to bolster their support for the country’s peace process and transitional justice program.
In a press statement extended to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper yesterday, the Commission’s plea comes as South Sudan endeavors to establish a sustainable peace after years of conflict.
During a recent mission to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 18–22 November 2024, the Commission’s delegation met with the AU Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan (C5 group), AU Commission focal points on legal matters, conflict prevention, governance, human rights, and transitional justice, as well as the AU Peace and Security Council.
Furthermore, the engagements including with civil society representatives and diplomats discussed the critical role of transitional justice in healing the nation’s wounds and preventing future violence.
The Commission welcomed the recent enactment of laws establishing the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA), but emphasized the need for AU support to operationalize these institutions.
A key focus of the discussions was the stalled process of establishing the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
The UN rights body in South Sudan urged the AU to renew its efforts to revive this crucial mechanism, which is essential for holding perpetrators of serious crimes accountable.
Commissioner Barney Afako stressed the importance of regional and international support, stating that this is not the time to abandon South Sudan.
“Transitional justice processes are a cornerstone of South Sudan’s path toward healing, accountability, and lasting peace,” said Commissioner Afako.
“The intensified support of the African Union and other international partners is crucial for the timely and credible completion of the country’s delayed political transition,” he added.
AU officials acknowledged the importance of a holistic approach to transitional justice, encompassing truth-telling, reparations, and accountability.
They further recognized the need for enhanced coordination between the AU and the Government of South Sudan to support these processes.
Commissioner Yasmin Sooka, the Chair of the Commission emphasized the moral imperative of establishing a holistic transitional justice system, including accountability measures, truth recovery, and reparations.
“South Sudan must create the space for open participatory dialogue and the recognition of the immense suffering of its people,” said Commissioner Sooka. “Accountability in all its forms, including through the Hybrid Court and strengthening domestic accountability, is essential to deal with entrenched impunity.”
The Commission also called for the implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Review Commission, which provides a roadmap for strengthening the criminal justice system and domestic accountability.
It also emphasized the need to strengthen the domestic justice system, including by investing in an independent judiciary and rooting out corruption.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández highlighted the importance of investing in an independent judiciary and rooting out corruption. He stressed that a credible and independent judiciary is essential for ensuring justice and accountability.
“South Sudan’s leaders must show the world their commitment to justice,” said Commissioner Fernández. “Strengthening the domestic justice system must be a key priority.”
The Commission finally urged South Sudan and the AU to advance all the measures agreed upon in the peace agreement to ensure accountability, truth-telling, and reparations.
The Commission’s visit to Addis Ababa highlighted the critical role of the AU in supporting South Sudan’s transition to peace.
As the country moves forward with its transitional justice processes, the international community’s continued support will be essential to ensure a sustainable and just future for its people.