UN-supported workshop on transitional justice concludes in Lakes State

RUMBEK – A three-day workshop on transitional justice concluded on Saturday in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, bringing together government officials, chiefs, civil society members, security forces, youth, and women.

The workshop, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), aimed to train participants on the concept of transitional justice and its role in restoring peace and achieving justice for victims of human rights violations and abuses as outlined in Chapter 5 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

“Over 42 participants from the executive government, legislature, legal administration, organized forces, Lakes State Human Rights Commission, Lakes State Anti-Corruption Commission, civil society, women, youth, and media attended the workshop,” said Pontus Joesph, Acting Team Leader for Human Rights in the UNMISS Rumbek field office.

The training focused on equipping participants with the knowledge to raise awareness about transitional justice within Lakes State’s counties.

“We expect that the knowledge gained by participants will be used to create awareness on transitional justice within the counties,” said Joesph. “Through outreach to their communities, they will discuss the entire process of transitional justice, with the objective of enabling people to participate meaningfully when it is instituted.”

UNMISS will provide logistical support to the Lakes State Transitional Justice Committee (TJC) to facilitate their outreach efforts.

“Our support will be limited based on our operational mandates and directives,” clarified Joseph. “However, we will be able to transport some TJC members to various communities to help them reach the population.”

Participants highlighted the importance of transitional justice in achieving peace and addressing human rights violations.

Agum Joseph Kuch, a women’s leader from the Lakes State Women’s Association, emphasized the role of transitional justice in supporting victims.

“The workshop will help victims of all forms of human rights violations and abuses, both men and women, during the conflict period,” she said. “It will empower people to reclaim their rights.”

Mahok Malual Kodi, Chairperson of the Lakes State Human Rights Commission, commended the workshop.

“The workshop on transitional justice was well-organized and informative,” he said. “It is part of our duty as it relates to human rights.”

Kodi also addressed ongoing human rights challenges in the state, particularly those concerning children and women.

“I urge the people of Lakes State, especially, to take care of women and children,” he said.

Chok Lieny Charles, Chairperson of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Committee in the Lakes State Transitional Legislative Assembly, emphasized the importance of Chapter 5 of the Revitalized Agreement.

“The people decided to prioritize this chapter to ensure focus,” he said. “We acquired valuable skills that will enable us to share knowledge with citizens and beneficiaries in the counties. The plan is to reach the grassroots level and disseminate the knowledge we gained to the people of Lakes State.”

Charles acknowledged the role of UNMISS in supporting transitional justice efforts.

“UNMISS is a rightful partner that will fill the gap needed to implement this initiative,” he said. “As I monitor human rights violations, I believe the implementation of the TJC will help address some of these issues. The government is working hard to address these violations, including early marriage and other abuses.”