CIPAD WITH SUPPORT FROM UNDP HAS CONDUCTED A PUBLIC SENSITISATION WORKSHOP ON THE COMMISSION FOR TRUTH, RECONCILIATION AND HEALING (CTRH) IN BUOL-YAR BOMA OF MANGAR-TONG PAYAM IN AWEIL EAST COUNTY, NORTHERN BAHR EL GHAZAL STATE ON 24TH MAY 2022
In order to enhance public awareness on the commission for truth, reconciliation and healing (CTRH) as stipulated in Chapter 5 of the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), CIPAD successfully conducted a public sensitization workshop on the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) in buol-yar Boma of Mangartong Payam in Aweil East County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state on 24th May 2022 under the theme: ”Towards Trauma Healing and Reconciliation”.
The participants who attended the awareness workshop were 30 (12 females) stakeholders from county, Payam and Boma, women, youths, CSOs, religious leaders, traditional leaders (Chiefs), police, army, community psychosocial support group members, Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), Ministry of Peace-building, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission; and members of Local Peace Committees.
The awareness workshop focused on
- Community briefing on the commission of truth, Healing and Reconciliation (including establishment of CTRH as stipulated in R-ARCSS)
- Mandate and functions of the CTRH
- CTRH Personnel and their appointment procedures
- Rights of victims and witnesses of violence
- Highlight importance of the CTRH in promoting healing and reconciliation in communities in Aweil East County.
During the discussions, participants applauded South Sudan peace partners for this particular idea. Participants were optimistic that the commission will deliver well when it is not under any influence of a particular group in the government.
During the discussion, participants were very excited to get the information regarding the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and promised to be ready for the exercises. Many people wanted the commission to be formed as soon as possible in order to provide healing and reconciliation among the communities especially the families of the victims of the violence. The workshop has raised the expectations of the participants towards the commission.
Some people suggested that 7 commissioners of the commission as stipulated in the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict are very few enough to cover the whole country. The recommended the increment of the number of the commissioners to at least 15 commissioners.
Participants recommended that the commission must have branch offices in states and counties as well as Payams for it to function well as mandated.
As participants were invited from different groups and institution in the Payam, they promised to also keep their groups or institution informed about the upcoming commission with its importance so as remain ready with the information.
Participants thanked UNDP and Sweden for their supported. Participants promised to educated community members on the knowledge gained during awareness sessions especially their constituencies.
The awareness workshop was technically and financially supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sweden.
