First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar - courtesy

The First Vice President has suggested to the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the use of the African Union report on human rights abuses in South Sudan.

Last week, President Kiir’s office released a declassified report that implicated senior government officials including members of the opposition.

The document details the root cause of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts.

It stood by its claim that an attempted coup by Riek Machar and other politicians was the cause of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts despite the African Union finding no evidence for the narrative.

On Tuesday, President Kiir launched public consultations for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing.

The commission shall recommend processes and mechanisms for the full enjoyment by victims of the right of remedy including by suggesting measures for reparation and compensation.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Riek said the establishment of the commission, the reparation authority and the hybrid court can help deter perpetrators from violating human rights.

He suggested the commissioner can use African Union findings on the root cause of 2013 and other UN reports.

“The establishment of these mechanisms deters perpetrators from violating human rights. Last week, or more than a week, our President declassified documents, I think for the purpose of this commission [CTRH], there are also documents which this commission will use,” Machar said.

“The report of the African Union, popularly called Obasanjo report on human rights abuses in South Sudan, the several UN reports will also fit into the work of this commission. But more importantly, the views of our people of which this technical committee was formed.”

Dr. Riek Machar was speaking at the launch of the public consultations for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing in Juba on Tuesday.