CIPAD WITH SUPPORT FROM UNDP HAS CONDUCTED A PUBLIC SENSITISATION WORKSHOP ON THE COMMISSION FOR TRUTH, RECONCILIATION AND HEALING (CTRH) IN MAKUAC-AWIIT BOMA OF SHIKADID PAYAM IN AWEIL CENTRE COUNTY, NORTHERN BAHR EL GHAZAL STATE ON 18TH JULY 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 Makuac-Awiit Boma of Shikadid Payam in Aweil Centre County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state on 18 July 2022 under the theme: ”Towards Trauma Healing and Reconciliation”.

The awareness workshop was attended by 30 (14 females) stakeholders invited from State, county, Payam and Boma which include 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 Centre County particularly Makuac-Awiit Payam.

During the discussions, many participants asked very many questions. The questions were (1) when is the commission going to be formed since it has delayed? (2) How is the commission going to reach the Payam, Counties and Boma? Is the commission going to have it branch offices in Boma, Payams, Counties and States? How will the 7 Commissioners as stipulated in the agreement reach Bomas, Payams, and Counties since the number is less? How neutral are the peace partners especially in Executive and Assembly in the nomination and endorsement of the members of the commission?

As per the questions above, many people wanted the commission to immediately be formed as the processes for the provision of healing and reconciliation in the state. We really want it work as soon as possible if this is what is in the Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, Paramount chief concluded. Other participants were having reservation about the implementation of this CTRH because of the delay in the implementation of the peace agreement.

To conclude, participants thanked UNDP with its donors Government of Sweden for their support. Participants promised to educated other community members on the knowledge gained during awareness sessions especially their constituencies or members of their respective groups where they were invited.

The awareness workshop was technically and financially supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sweden.