By Matik Kueth
On Thursday, survivors of conflict-related atrocities and civil society representatives gathered in Juba for a body mapping workshop aimed at creating a safe space for healing while strengthening calls for justice and accountability in South Sudan.
The mapping exercise, organized by the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) in partnership with Amnesty International, was held as part of activities marking the International Day of International Criminal Justice, observed annually on July 17th.
The engagement preceded a policy dialogue that will bring together survivors, policymakers and stakeholders on Friday to discuss pathways to justice and ending impunity in the country.
Speaking during the opening the session, Jackline Nasiwa, CIGPJ’s Executive Director, said commemorating the International Day of Criminal Justice is an opportunity to remind South Sudanese of the importance of justice and accountability.
“We need to remind ourselves of the importance of justice. Without justice, there is no development,” Nasiwa said.
She added, “We need justice for all people, and this is very important. We need to have international justice and know how to treat people because we are the ones in power.”
Nasiwa noted that CIGPJ and Amnesty International have spent years amplifying the voices of survivors and advocating for justice mechanisms in South Sudan.
She applauded human rights defenders and civil society organizations for supporting survivors.
“Today we are preparing to engage the government, embassies and the Ministry of Justice on issues of justice and accountability. Survivors have waited too long for justice, and their voices must remain at the center of every conversation about peace and healing,” she stressed.
Niki Frederiek, Research Adviser for Amnesty International, noted that the organization considers injustice anywhere in the world as a matter of concern and remains committed to supporting survivors in South Sudan.
“At Amnesty International we always say that an injustice anywhere is something that we take personally. Whether injustice happens in South Sudan, Congo, Myanmar or Gaza, for us everything matters and we try to address that injustice,” she stated.
She stressed that Amnesty International and its partners have spent more than a decade engaging authorities and the African Union to establish justice mechanisms for survivors.
“We have been engaging governments and regional institutions for over a decade, trying to convince them to establish mechanisms and reform systems that can one day deliver justice for survivors in South Sudan,” she emphasized.
Despite the slow pace of progress, she vowed that Amnesty International would continue its advocacy.
“It is a very steep hill to climb, but we are not giving up. Even if justice does not come tomorrow or next year, we must keep fighting for future generations,” she stated.
Human rights defender and facilitator, John Ador, explained that the process allows survivors to identify and understand their emotional and physical pain.
“Body mapping is a good exercise that allows survivors to understand their bodies and connect with their experiences and lives,” he noted.
“If you understand where your pain is coming from and what triggers your trauma, you can begin the process of healing,” he explained.
Ador described art as a therapeutic tool that enables survivors to express emotions that are often difficult to put into words.
“Fine art helps survivors express themselves, release their anger and release the trauma they are feeling,” he said.
He further stated, “Some artworks carry powerful messages that can help policymakers reflect on the pain and suffering that many South Sudanese, especially women, continue to endure.”
According to him, discussions during the session revealed widespread trauma among South Sudanese and highlighted the lack of adequate trauma-healing services and facilities in the country.
Participants also noted that recurring violence in parts of the country, including Jonglei, Western Equatoria, Bentiu, Ayod and Nasir, continues to trigger painful memories for many survivors.
South Sudan’s 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement provides for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms, including the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.
However, these mechanisms have yet to be fully implemented, leaving many survivors of conflict-related abuses still waiting for justice.