South Sudan needs to embrace stronger foundations for accountability and justice for war victims, the nation’s vice president said Friday during the launch for the process of setting up a truth and reconciliation commission.
Vice President Taban Deng Gai made the call after the United Nations human rights chief Wednesday urged the African Union to quickly establish a hybrid court for South Sudan to investigate and prosecute those bearing criminal responsibility for the atrocities committed during the three-year civil war in Africa’s youngest nation.
“The issue of accountability and how to fight impunity must be discussed, and we must encourage the perpetrators to confess their actions,” Deng said.
A country cannot be run based on foundations of impunity, said Deng, adding, “I know this process will be very painful but it will make a better and united country.”
He said the victims of the war should be encouraged to bring their issues forward for healing and the reconciliation process to go ahead.
The South Sudan civil war that began in December 2013 has resulted in massive violations of human rights and unlawful killings. Some 2.4 million have been displaced, with at least 1 million fleeing to neighboring countries, while others remain in “civilian protection” zones.
A 2015 peace deal to address these rights abuses called for the establishment of a hybrid court combining elements of both domestic and international law and including personnel from South Sudan and abroad.
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