UJOSS, RJMEC, and UNDP train journalists on reporting peace deal

(radiotamazuj.org)

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (RJMEC), and UNDP are conducting a two-day workshop for over 20 journalists on reporting about chapter 5 of the peace agreement. 

Chapter 5 of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement deals with Transitional Justice, Accountability, Reconciliation, and Healing.

The workshop which commenced in Juba on Thursday brought together journalists from various states and administrative areas in South Sudan.

Speaking to journalists during the opening of the workshop, RJMEC representative Dr. Job Akuni said the training is meant to enhance journalists’ understanding of the chapter.

“The workshop aims at enhancing media engagement on Chapter 5 of the revitalized peace agreement and hopes to then define the role of the media in South Sudan transitional justice,” he said. “The media, being the fourth estate, plays a very great role in enabling the society to get critical news and information.”

For her part, UJOSS Vice President Ajak Ater urged UNDP and RJMEC to support UJOSS in disseminating Chapter 5 of the agreement to all the states. 

“As UJOSS, we thank UNDP and we also urge them and RJMEC to continue supporting similar training for journalists on transitional justice across the states in South Sudan,” she noted.

UNDP Representative Evelyn Edroma said the workshop provides an opportunity to reflect on how they can advise the role of the media in South Sudan in the peacebuilding processes under the agreement but in particular on the transitional justice process. 

“It is indeed a very timely workshop because of the current ongoing consultation at the state levels. In light of this, UNDP prioritizes the media, media practitioners, and journalists,” she added. “You as Journalists have a crucial role in informing the public about what is happening in transitional justice.”