Photo by Amin Ismail, UNAMID.
On 12 October 2017, UNAMID Human Rights Section, in collaboration with the Office of the General Prosecutor for Darfur Crimes, concluded a two-day workshop on the role of transitional and criminal justice in achieving peace. The workshop was held in El Fasher, North Darfur. Some 30 participants, including prosecutors, judges, police, lawyers, civil society organizations and representatives of transitional justice mechanisms attended the event.
In the course of the workshop, participants underlined the need for a comprehensive peace agreement in Darfur to enable effective implementation of transitional and criminal justice. They also called on the Government of Sudan to continue its weapons collection campaign as a means of ensuring greater community stability and security.
Addressing the occasion, Francoise Simard, Acting Deputy Joint Special Representative, UNAMID, stated that such workshops are designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of transitional and criminal justice, thereby enforcing accountability and promoting social remedy, in line with international human rights standards.
“Such workshops also serve as platforms to discuss practical challenges related to the work of the Special Prosecutor, Special Court of Darfur Crimes, as the Court is one of the key transitional justice mechanisms in Darfur. Additionally, participants can make recommendations in the area of criminal justice,” added Ms. Simard.
On his part, Al Fatih Tayfour, General Prosecutor, Special Court of Darfur Crimes, commended UNAMID for its consistent efforts in building the capacity of local stakeholders in rule of law institutions.
Dr. Salih El Nour, a representative from the Center for Peace, Development and Human Rights Studies, El Fasher University, highlighted the importance of transitional and criminal justice systems in achieving social peace across Darfur, particularly in terms of inter-communal conflict.