A delegation from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has commenced a five-day visit to Kenya, to engage with a range of stakeholders, focusing on advancing human rights, and ensuring accountability for the human rights violations in South Sudan.

According to a statement, the delegation is led by Yasmin Sooka, the Chair, and Barney Afako, a member of the Commission, and will meet with senior Kenyan government officials, representatives from international organizations, and civil society groups.

“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. 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 statement reads in part.

“Additionally, 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 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 Commission will encourage all involved in the Tumaini Initiative to incorporate transitional justice measures as an integral element of the ongoing talks, ensuring accountability, truth-telling, and redress for victims, which are essential for lasting peace in South Sudan,” the statement said.

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council. First established in March 2016, it has been renewed annually since. Its three Commissioners are not UN staff, they are not renumerated for their work as Commissioners, and they serve independently in their capacity as experts. They are supported by a Secretariat based in Juba, South Sudan.

The Commission is mandated to investigate the situation of human rights in South Sudan and to make recommendations to prevent a deterioration of the situation, with a view to its improvement. The Commission is also mandated to determine and report the facts and circumstances of human rights violations and abuses, including by clarifying responsibility for crimes under national and or international law.

The Commission’s findings are informed by independent interviews conducted with victims and survivors of human rights violations, as well as witnesses, service providers, and related experts and stakeholders. Radio Tamazuj