UN experts visit Addis Ababa to push for transitional justice in South Sudan

ADDIS ABABA – A delegation from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan arrived in Addis Ababa on Monday for discussions with African Union (AU) officials and other stakeholders on advancing transitional justice in South Sudan.

The visit follows a key development in South Sudan’s peace process, with President Salva Kiir recently assenting to two crucial laws, which establish a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing, as well as a Reparation Authority, marking a significant step toward addressing the country’s legacy of conflict and human rights violations.

The new laws are part of South Sudan’s commitments under the revitalized peace agreement, which was initially signed in Addis Ababa in 2015 and later revitalized in 2018. However, concerns persist about the slow pace of implementing the peace deal, resulting in a two-year extension of the transitional period and the delay of elections.

In a statement, the UN Commission confirmed that the delegation, led by Commissioner Afako would meet with senior officials from the African Union Commission, its Peace and Security Council, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The delegation is also scheduled to engage with representatives from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as diplomats, civil society organizations, and humanitarian groups.

“Commissioner Afako and members of the Commission’s Secretariat will meet with officials of the African Union Commission, its Peace and Security Council, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” it said.

“They also plan engagements with the Inter-Governmental Development Authority (IGAD), regional and international diplomatic corps, and civil society and humanitarian actors,” the Commission added.

The UN Commission emphasized that while the creation of the Truth Commission and Reparation Authority is a positive step, urgent action is needed to ensure accountability for past abuses and to complete the peace process.

According to the statement, the Commission’s findings and recommendations will focus on how South Sudan can meet its human rights obligations and ensure justice for the victims of the conflict.