Over 150 Attend One-Day Dialogue on Transitional Justice in Hai Referendum Area
More than 150 individuals, including survivors, stakeholders, and civil society organizations (CSOs), gathered in the Hai Referendum Area today to participate in a one-day dialogue focused on transitional justice. The event showcased the resilience and determination of those affected by conflict, emphasizing the importance of healing and the need for an inclusive dialogue.
Nyakuol Veronica Social Buor, the Team Leader for Victim Support at Mangateen IDP Camp, spoke passionately about the varying impacts of conflict on individuals. “The way I was affected is different from how my brother or sister experienced trauma,” she remarked. “When we come together, it heals us a lot. It also creates hope for a new life, allowing us to begin a new chapter despite our brokenness.”
Participants shared personal stories of trauma, healing, and empowerment. Buor highlighted the positive impact of the training they underwent, which covered psychological support, trauma healing, peace building, and economic empowerment. “We’ve learned to create products like liquid soap and bar soap, which now provide for our families. This journey of innovation has changed our lives,” she added.
The dialogue, organized by Vision for Humanity with financial support from the UNDP South Sudan Country Office and the UN Peace Building Fund, focused on the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) bill, emphasizing the need for survivors’ voices to be heard in the quest for justice.
Judith Agang, Executive Director of Vision for Humanity, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering survivors. “Empowering lives and restoring dignity through dialogue is crucial for building resilience and fostering participation in the journey toward reconciliation and healing.”
Throughout the day, discussions also covered the struggles faced by persons with disabilities (PWD), survivors of gender-based violence (SGBV), and women raising children born from rape. Participants explored how these vulnerable groups can ensure their voices are heard and how justice can be served while providing support to protect these children from societal discrimination.
The event highlighted the pivotal role of transitional justice, as outlined in Chapter Five of the R-ACSS 2018 peace agreement, in addressing human rights violations and rebuilding trust in society.
Transitional justice encompasses judicial and non-judicial measures aimed at redressing the legacies of human rights abuses, which can include criminal prosecutions, truth commissions, and reparations programs. As South Sudan continues to navigate the complexities of healing and rebuilding, initiatives like this one represent crucial steps towards preventing the recurrence of violence and fostering a just and peaceful future.
With ongoing support from various organizations and sustained community engagement, the journey toward justice, healing, and empowerment for survivors in South Sudan continues to take shape.
