Yasmin Sooka [Right], the chairperson of the UN Human Rights Commission, and Barney Afako [Left], UN Human Rights Commissioner during a press briefing in Juba - credit |Atem Jenifer/Eye Radio | February 11, 2022

A delegation from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has begun a five-day visit to Kenya.

The delegation, led by Chair Yasmin Sooka and member Barney Afako, will engage with senior Kenyan government officials, representatives from international organizations, and civil society groups.

The discussions will aim to advance human rights, promote accountability for violations in South Sudan, and support the country’s transition.

“Discussions will center on the importance of upholding human rights and preventing deterioration of the situation in South Sudan, as well as consolidating the role of justice and accountability in the peace process,” said the rights commission.

During the visit, the delegation is expected to advocate for strong support for South Sudan’s efforts to establish a reliable and independent judicial system.

This, according to the commission, includes implementing recommendations from the Judicial Review Commission to create effective and impartial institutions capable of upholding the rule of law and human rights across the country.

The Commission will highlight the importance of regional support for South Sudan’s transition, particularly from Kenya, which plays a key role as a guarantor of the peace and transition process.”

“The Commission will advocate for strong support of South Sudan’s efforts to establish a reliable and independent judicial system, in accordance with the recommendations of the Judicial Review Commission, including the establishment of effective and impartial institutions capable of upholding the rule of law and human rights across the country.

The delegation will also meet with stakeholders involved in the Tumaini Initiative, a peace dialogue between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out groups to the 2018 peace agreement.

“The delegation intends to meet various stakeholders involved in the resumed mediation dialogue in Nairobi, known as the Tumaini Initiative, between the Government of South Sudan and hold-out groups to the Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), 2018,” the statement added.

It is also expected to push for inclusion of transitional justice measures in the talks for long-lasting peace in South Sudan.