A delegation from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has embarked on a five-day visit to Kenya to engage with key stakeholders, focusing on advancing human rights and ensuring accountability for violations in South Sudan.
The visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to support the peace process and facilitate dialogue between the South Sudanese government and opposition groups.
The delegation, led by Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, and Barney Afako, a member of the Commission, will meet with senior Kenyan government officials, representatives from international organizations, and civil society groups.
Their discussions are centered on upholding human rights, preventing further deterioration of the situation in South Sudan, and reinforcing the role of justice and accountability in the peace process.
In a statement, Chair Sooka emphasized the importance of regional support for South Sudan’s transition, particularly from Kenya, which plays a pivotal role as a guarantor of the peace and transitional processes.
“We will advocate for stronger support for South Sudan’s efforts to establish a reliable and independent judicial system, in line with the recommendations of the Judicial Review Commission. This includes the establishment of effective, impartial institutions capable of upholding the rule of law and human rights,” Sooka said.
The Commission has also expressed the need for incorporating transitional justice measures into ongoing peace talks. “We urge all parties involved in the Tumaini Initiative to ensure that accountability, truth-telling, and redress for victims are integral components of the dialogue. These measures are essential for achieving lasting peace in South Sudan,” the Commission added.
The Tumaini Initiative refers to the resumed mediation dialogue in Nairobi between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out groups from the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in 2018. The delegation plans to meet with key figures involved in this dialogue to support the ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
