In a letter to the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Enough Project joined 37 South Sudanese and international organizations urging her to utilize the upcoming AU Peace and Security Council meeting on South Sudan as an opportunity to create pressure to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan. The court would try grave crimes committed in the country’s recent conflict, as provided for in the August peace agreement between the parties to the conflict. The letter also requests that she help to ensure publication of the report of the African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan (AUCISS) without delay.
"A credible, independent, hybrid court to try crimes under international law committed during the conflict and that meets internationally accepted standards of fairness and impartiality has the potential to provide an essential contribution for South Sudanese looking for sustainable peace following a war that has destroyed civilian towns and villages, killed thousands of civilians, displaced over 2 million people and plunged much of the country into humanitarian crisis. Investigations into these crimes and the identification of perpetrators should start now before further evidence is lost or disappears.
Experience has shown the failure to address past crimes has fueled renewed abuse. Lasting stability, national healing and opportunity for South Sudanese looking to build a human rights-respecting state will require that crimes committed are addressed. Swift and robust support from the AU and others is crucial for these hopes to become reality."
-Excerpt from the letter to Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson
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