UN Commission on Human Rights Delegation Engages in Peace Talks in Kenya

A UN Commission on Human Rights delegation visits Kenya to discuss human rights and accountability issues related to South Sudan, engaging with government officials and civil society to support judicial reform and transitional justice measures critical for peace efforts.

A delegation from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has embarked on a five-day visit to Kenya, aimed at engaging with various stakeholders to promote human rights and accountability for violations that have occurred in South Sudan. Under the leadership of Yasmin Sooka, the Chair of the Commission, and Barney Afako, a Commission member, the delegation’s itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from the Kenyan government, representatives of international organizations, and members of civil society.

Discussions during this visit will focus on the urgent need to uphold human rights and avert any further decline in the situation in South Sudan. The Commission emphasizes the significance of regional support, particularly from Kenya, which serves as a crucial guarantor of South Sudan’s peace and transitional process. Therefore, the delegation will advocate for robust support in establishing an independent judicial framework that aligns with the recommendations made by the Judicial Review Commission. This includes forming effective and impartial institutions that can uphold the rule of law and human rights across the country.

Additionally, the delegation plans to engage with stakeholders involved in the Tumaini Initiative, a renewed mediation dialogue in Nairobi aimed at facilitating discussions between the South Sudan government and hold-out groups from the Revitalized Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 2018. The Commission will encourage the incorporation of transitional justice measures into these ongoing discussions to ensure accountability, truth-telling, and redress for victims, which are deemed essential for achieving lasting peace in the nation.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan was established in March 2016 by the United Nations Human Rights Council. It operates as an independent body tasked with investigating human rights conditions in South Sudan and formulating recommendations to improve the situation. The Commission is composed of three Commissioners who serve without remuneration and are not United Nations staff. Their work is supported by a Secretariat located in Juba, South Sudan. Through independent interviews with victims, survivors, and relevant experts, the Commission seeks to clarify the facts surrounding human rights abuses while identifying accountability for crimes under both national and international law.

The delegation’s visit to Kenya represents a vital step toward enhancing human rights protections and accountability in South Sudan. Through their meetings with diverse stakeholders, the UN Commission aims to solidify regional support and emphasize the necessity of judicial reform and transitional justice in achieving lasting peace. The Commission’s efforts underscore the interconnectedness of accountability and the peace process in fostering a stable and just environment in South Sudan.

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