JMEC Deputy Chairman Ambassador Augostino Njoroge has commended the unity government for taking steps to implement critical elements of transitional justice in South Sudan.

This comes after a technical committee consisting of national stakeholders including key civil society organizations launched a public awareness program about the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing this week.

“It is very important that the TGoNU maintain these small steps towards the implementation of key ARCSS deliverables,” said the JMEC deputy chairman in a statement.

“Implementation of Chapter Five (Transitional Justice) has fallen some way behind other Chapters and we are delighted to see that preparations for national consultations on reconciliation and healing are being made. Although it may be a small step, this is a very important step especially given the need to break the cycle of impunity, ensure accountability and contribute to reconciliation and national healing,” he added.

Article 1 of Chapter 5 of the peace agreement says that the transitional government will establish three new institutions to help bring justice to South Sudan. These institutions are the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the independent hybrid court, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.