28 SEPTEMBER 2021, JUBA—The Technical Committee of the South Sudan Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) is reviewing key principles and standards of transitional justice processes during a training this week to prepare for inclusive, trauma-informed, and victim-centred public consultations. The training, organized by UNDP, and conducted by experts from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), examines the tools and methodologies for national and community consultations important to the next phases of the CTRH’s work. 

“The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is pleased to support this training for the CTRH technical committee, to ensure that what is actually being understood is aligned with the objectives of the committee,” said Under Secretary for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Biong Pieng Kuol.

The workshop is a preparatory activity in support of the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing in South Sudan, which falls under Chapter V of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is mandated by the R-ARCSS to conduct national consultations in collaboration with other stakeholders and civil society. In this regard, the Ministry established a Technical Committee to conduct nation-wide consultations. Views collected during these consultations will be used to draft the CTRH legislation.

The training comes at a critical juncture following the re-launch of the CTRH process in June 2021, under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and presided over by H.E. First Vice President Riek Machar. Chapter V of the R-ARCSS outlines a transitional justice roadmap of processes and mechanisms for South Sudan to address past abuses, ensure accountability and justice, and promote truth and reconciliation. Along with the CTRH, this includes a Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA), and the independent Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS).

“We individually and collectively are committed to do our part to make sure that the consultations that we are going to be leading provide a genuine opportunity for the people of South Sudan to freely and openly express their views on the structure of the CTRH and the scope of its mandate and power,” said Chairperson of the CTRH Technical Committee Ms. Alokiir Malua Aguer.

Along with providing the Technical Committee with a sufficient knowledge base on transitional justice and consultation methodologies, the ICTJ-led curriculum is focused on helping the committee conduct effective national and community consultations on the design of the CTRH legislation. 

"It is important that before the Technical Committee embarks on this important task that it is equipped with tools that will enable it to effectively lead the national consultations in accordance with international, and regional, standards and principles and meet the expectations of the people of South Sudan,” said Head of ICTJ’s Uganda Office and one of the lead trainers, Ms. Sarah Kasande.

UNDP is supporting an inclusive consultative process where South Sudanese citizens, regardless of gender, age, education, political, religious or ethnic affiliation can provide their views and participate.

“This training provides another opportunity to bring together members of the CTRH Technical Committee to reflect on their important role and develop a common understanding of consultation methodologies that are inclusive, rights-based and victim-centred. This process will signal the way forward and ensure that we say ‘never again’ to such grave violations of human rights in South Sudan. It is therefore crucial for the CTRH to be established in the right manner to enable South Sudan to recover and be placed firmly on the path to unity and sustained peace,” said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Ms. Christy Ahenkora.

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For more information contact: media.ss@undp.org

About UNDP South Sudan Access to Justice, Security and Human Rights Strengthening Programme

The UNDP Access to Justice, Security and Human Rights Strengthening Programme is supported by the Kingdom of Netherlands, Government of Japan, the Peacebuilding Fund, the Resilience, Stabilization and Recovery Trust Funds for South Sudan and its core resources. The programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of key justice and security actors including the Ministry of Interior, Police, Prisons, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Law Review Commission, Human Rights Commission and Judiciary by reducing case backlog; addressing prolonged and arbitrary detention; harmonizing traditional and formal justice sector; and increasing access to justice for the people of South Sudan and promoting a culture of human rights respect.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.