Press Release
UN human rights experts have called for robust support for transitional justice processes in South Sudan, emphasizing their critical role in achieving peace and stability. They highlighted that transitional justice—encompassing accountability, truth-seeking, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition—is essential to addressing the legacy of conflict and gross human rights violations.
The experts noted that implementing the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement requires the establishment of key institutions and mechanisms, including the Hybrid Court, the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing, and reparation and compensation bodies. However, progress in operationalizing these entities has been slow, hindering national reconciliation efforts and trust-building among communities.
The continued occurrence of human rights violations, such as sexual violence and forced displacement, poses significant obstacles to peace. The experts underscored the need to hold perpetrators accountable and end impunity as vital steps toward justice and fostering a cohesive society.
They urged national authorities to honor their international commitments and ensure active participation of victims and civil society in transitional justice efforts. Additionally, the experts called on the international community to provide technical and financial support to guarantee the success of these processes.
The experts concluded by affirming that transitional justice is not merely a legal framework but a tool to build trust, foster reconciliation, and lay the foundation for a shared, sustainable future for the people of South Sudan.
