South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Tuesday passed the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Bill (CTRH) 2024 and Compensation and Reparation Authority Bill (CRA) 2024.
The two bills under chapter 5 of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement upon being assented to by President Salva Kiir will guide the implementation of the process of healing, reconciliation, compensation and justice and accountability for war victims.
The transitional unity government together with the African Union is mandated under chapter 5 of the peace agreement to set up Hybrid Court to try war crimes committed since outbreak of conflict in December 2013.
The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Bill aims to establish a commission that will spearhead efforts to address the legacy of conflict and promote peace and national reconciliation and healing.
The Compensation and Reparation Authority Bill aims to govern matters and process for compensation and reparation, and to identify aggrieved persons eligible for reparation and establish the fund.
Natelina Amjima Malek, the Deputy Chairperson of the parliamentary committee for information said the two bills will be taken to President Kiir to be signed into law.
“These two laws are important bill, they call for the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Commission so that the people of South Sudan can tell their problems and issues to ensure healing and reconciliation among themselves,” Amjima told journalists after plenary session in Juba.
She said the CRA bill will pave way for compensation of families who lost their loved ones and also people whose property was damaged during the 2013 and 2016 conflicts.
“The Compensation and Reparation Authority will help to mobilize the resources today to rebuild the facilities that were destroyed during the war,” she said.
Chapter 5 of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement calls for the establishment of three transitional justice mechanisms including, CRA, Hybrid Court for South Sudan and CTRH.
The Hybrid Court is charged with investigating and where necessary prosecute individuals bearing responsibility for violations of international law or applicable South Sudanese law, committed from December 2013 throughout the end of the Transitional Period.
