News briefing
Translated and edited by: Committee for Justice
Geneva: February 22, 2023
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that the multitude of challenges that continue to plague South Sudan are enormous: unceasing armed violence, dire humanitarian needs, shrinking civic and political space – all amidst a context of pervasive, entrenched impunity.
This came in a speech by the High Commissioner to the Transitional Justice Conference in South Sudan, in which he called for some important steps to be taken to advance peace and transitional justice for the people of South Sudan.
Turk referred to some of those steps, such as; holding of national consultations on the establishment of the Commission of Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. And the drafting of legislation for the Truth Commission and Reparation Authority has begun.
“Without taking further concrete measures, we are far from the reality of justice and peace in South Sudan,” stressed Turk.
Broader inclusion of all affected:
The High Commissioner also called for the broader inclusion of all those affected – including women and girls -those who had to flee the country, and those who were marginalized, to ensure the design and implementation of transitional justice processes that are truly fit for purpose.
Türk urged the Government of South Sudan – with the support of the international community – to fast track the pending aspects of the peace agreement especially related to transitional justice, while ensuring broad and inclusive participation and consultation.
The High Commissioner concluded by emphasizing that the people of South Sudan have suffered for far too long, and it is more urgent than ever that the international community continue to support and strengthen the world’s youngest nation on a path to recovery and sustainable peace, with accountability at its core.
