Terekeka County Hosts Successful Workshops on Transitional Justice Processes

Terekeka County recently conducted a series of workshops aimed at raising awareness and promoting public participation in the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) and Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA). Organized by the South Sudanese Community Based Organization (SSCBO) and funded by the International Coalition of Sites of Consciousness (ICSC), the workshops attracted a diverse group of participants including representatives from civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, persons with disabilities, women, youth groups, traditional chiefs, survivors, law enforcement, elders, and local government officials.

The workshops focused on key topics related to transitional justice, providing an overview of the principles and mechanisms outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) 2018. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the roles and functions of the CTRH, CRA, and Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS) through expert-led sessions.

A highlight of the workshops was the exploration of the role of customary systems and traditional justice mechanisms in promoting peace, healing, and reconciliation within communities. Participants engaged in discussions on how these systems can be utilized to address historical injustices and promote social cohesion.

Additionally, the workshops addressed the concept of reparation within the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP), emphasizing the importance of comprehensive measures to address harm caused to victims and affected communities. Participants also discussed best practices and lessons learned from transitional justice processes across the continent, with a focus on inclusivity and accountability.

In line with the objectives of the workshops, participants worked to dispel misconceptions surrounding truth reconciliation and healing as outlined in the R-ARCISS 2018, and strategized on effective outreach and engagement.

Terekeka County continues to make strides towards sustainable peace and reconciliation efforts through inclusive dialogue. SSCBO expressed gratitude to the ICSC for their support and looks forward to continued partnerships in advancing transitional justice initiatives in South Sudan.

The South Sudanese Community Based Organization (SSCBO) is a national grassroots entity dedicated to fostering sustainable peace, reconciliation, and justice within South Sudan. Comprised of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, SSCBO operates at the community level, working directly with the local population to address the legacies of conflict and promote social cohesion.