JUBA — The Selection Panel for members of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) is expected to soon submit a list of successful candidates for the four South Sudanese commissioner positions.
This was disclosed by Juma Mabior, a former member of the Technical Committee on Transitional Justice, who said the panel has completed interviews for 47 shortlisted candidates selected from more than 100 applicants.
According to Mabior, the names of the successful candidates will be submitted to the Ministry of Justice for onward presentation to the Council of Ministers, followed by parliamentary vetting and approval, and eventual appointment by the President.
He cautioned against any interference in the process, warning that it could undermine the integrity and transparency of the selection.
“The selection panel has completed interviews of 47 shortlisted candidates for the four commissioners’ positions of the CTRH,” Mabior said.
“In the coming days, or even today, the panel is expected to submit the names of the successful candidates to the Ministry of Justice for onward presentation to the Council of Ministers, followed by parliamentary vetting and approval, and finally submission to the President for appointment,”
“While this process can move smoothly, it is also at risk of being delayed if subjected to interference.”
The CTRH was established under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and is mandated to investigate past human rights violations, promote national reconciliation, and address legacies of violence.
The commission is also tasked with providing avenues for truth-telling and reparations for victims, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Women Lawyers in South Sudan has launched a Compendium of 16 Scholarly Articles from legal experts to guide the transitional justice process in South Sudan.
FIDA executive director, Susan Poni, said the research articles will be disseminated to the public and used by policy makers for the operationalization of the justice mechanisms.
Addressing the event, Susan said South Sudan’s commitment to implementing Chapter 5 of the 2018 peace deal has remained in paper and is yet to translate to actual justice.
“South Sudan transitional justice journey is anchored in our collective aspiration for peace, accountability, healing and reconciliation,” she stated.
“These aspirations are clearly articulated in the revitalized peace agreement on the resolution of conflict in South Sudan which commits our nation to mechanisms such as hybrid court, the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and Compensation and Reparation Authority.”
“Yet the commitment on the papers does not automatically translate into justice in practice. That is why today’s event is significant to take stock of the transitional justice process.”
Poni added that the workshop will validate findings of a public perception survey conducted in Juba, Wau and Malakal to get citizens’ views on transitional justice.
