Juba, October 9, 2019 (SSNA) — The Human rights Watch (HRW) has called on South Sudan’s government, opposition leaders, and the African Union (AU) to meet and discuss ways to establish a hybrid court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, a letter obtained by the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) shows.
Human Rights Watch’s Africa advocacy director, Carine Kaneza Nantulya, says South Sudan’s rival parties have previously committed to the establishment of the court for war victims. She notices that Juba asked AU to take the lead on the process.
“South Sudan’s parties have committed to justice for the victims of war crimes and asked the AU to take the lead on creating a hybrid court. But there is no communication between the key players and the process is stalled. The AU and South Sudanese representatives should urgently convene a meeting to develop a plan to establish the court.” Nantulya explains.
“An independent court that brings those responsible for the worst crimes to justice is crucial for creating a durable peace,” she says.
The September 2018 calls for the formation of a hybrid court and stipulated that the court would be brought together judges and prosecutors from South Sudan and other African countries.
South Sudan has recently become uncooperative with anyone, government or rights institution that champions the establishment of the hybrid court. The government says there is no need to form the court without giving specifics.