CIPAD WITH SUPPORT FROM UNDP HAS CONDUCTED A PUBLIC SENSITISATION WORKSHOP ON THE COMMISSION FOR TRUTH, RECONCILIATION AND HEALING (CTRH) IN RIANG-MANKUEK BOMA OF NYITH PAYAM IN AWEIL SOUTH COUNTY, NORTHERN BAHR EL GHAZAL STATE ON 28 JUNE 2022.
In order to increase public understanding of 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 Riang-mankuek Boma of Nyith Payam in Aweil South County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state on 28th May 2022 under the theme: ”Towards Trauma Healing and Reconciliation”.
The participants who attended the awareness workshop were 30 (07 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 workshop discussions, participants appreciated and welcomed the establishment of the commission, its mandate, functions. Participants have high hope waiting for CTRH to function.
Some participants questioned the neutrality of the members that are going to be appointed because it’s the same government in council of ministers and parliament that will approve and /or disapprove the appointment of the members. Others welcome it only for the sake of healing, reconciliation and compensation. Many do not belief that the commission will provide the real truth since 4 are going to be South Sudanese people.
Participants wished to see the commission formed as soon as possible in order to facilitate people healing and reconciliation especially those affected by the conflict in the county. Participants acknowledged that there are many victims having concrete witnesses waiting for the commission to be formed.
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.
