By Staff Writer
President Salva Kiir Mayardit launched public consultation on the establishment of the commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) on Tuesday.
“Today we mark another milestone in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, we want to embark on the peace process, the establishment for Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing doesn’t neglect the other pillars and in light of the challenges that we are currently facing, what we need more is reconciliation before the next step of pursuing justice,” President Kiir Said during the launch of the CTRH in Juba.
President Kiir said that the country needs to use reconciliation and forgiveness to eradicate the culture of impunity.
He said that the ministry of Justices and other institutions involved in this process need to remember the CTRH forms a critical part of the peace building process in the country.
“The process of the establishment and conduct of the commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing must be fair, transparency and inclusive.” Added president Kiir.
He said that the CTRH must meet its objectives of receiving and documenting complaints, interviewing eyewitnesses on what took place during the conflict.
“The commission must focus on serving the interest of the victims throughout their work , the final truth that will come out of this process must reflect what the victims went through, it’s only after this that our country can achieve genuine reconciliation”
First Vice President of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny who leads the largest opposition group in the country said this is an important moment in the country .
“Today’s launching of national consultative process with the aim to draft legislation for establishment for Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing is an important moment in our country in quest for justice and reconciliation.” Said Mr. Machar.
“This milestone was be reached within three months of establishment of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and not only for this commission but also for Hybrid Court of South Sudan and Compensation and Reparation Authority.”Added Mr. Machar.
He said that the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing is recognized as a critical part of peace building process as it will spearhead efforts to address legacy of conflict, promote peace, national reconciliation and healing
