Workshop supported and facilitated by the International Center for Transitional Justice held in Juba on Wednesday, November 17, 2023. (YEO/Facebook).

The Transitional Justice Working Group has called on civil society organizations to end what it describes as splitting opinions and while urging them to speak with one voice to push for justice in country.

The call followed a two-day workshop supported and facilitated by the International Center for Transitional Justice held in Juba on Wednesday.

The workshop comes nearly one and a half months after the National Council of Ministers approved two bills for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.

The bills which are yet to be tabled before the national legislature is seen vital to address the legacy of conflict and promote national reconciliation and healing.

Speaking at the closure of the event on Thursday, Galdino Ochama, Acting Chairperson of Transitional Justice Working Group called on the civil society groups to remain united in order to influence the justice process.

He was citing the Kenyan civil society which he said, ensured human rights violators during the Kenyan post-elections were held to account.

“We need to get this lesson and try to do our best. That cannot happen if we are fragmented,” Ochama said.

“We need to be unified and speak in one voice. As civil society we want to country goes through the best TJ process ever. So, I’m requesting this issue of having splitted opinion to end today.”

“We have seen this nice facilitation and let it end here and we start a new chapter in order to influence the process for the betterment of the people of South Sudan.”

Meanwhile, a representative of the International Center for Transitional Justice encouraged the civil society organizations to be courageous and demand justice for the voiceless.

“What matters most especially for the civil society is pushing forward, moving forward, demanding justice, demanding accountability and make sure the voices of those who are most disadvantage is hard.”

Chapter five of the 2018 peace accord obligates the unity government to establish the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the Hybridge Court for South Sudan, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.

The healing commission is also mandated by the peace agreement to inquire into all aspects of human rights violations and abuses, breaches of the rule of law, and excessive abuses of power committed against all persons in South Sudan by state, non-state actors and or agents, and allies.

Also, to receive applications from alleged victims, identify and determine their right to remedy as well as identify perpetrators of violations and crimes prescribed in the agreement.