El Fasher, 16 December -- A two-day workshop on transitional justice conducted by the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) began today at the Mission’s headquarters in El Fasher.

“This workshop provides an opportunity to examine and reflect on how societies transiting from conflict may deal with their painful past in order to build a future with peace and justice in people’s daily lives,” explained Mr. Henry Anyidoho, Deputy Joint Special Representative, in his opening remarks.

The DJSR noted that failure to acknowledge past abuses can perpetuate conflicts. “If stakeholders fail to acknowledge and deal with past abuses, but focus exclusively on cessation of hostilities and on security arrangements, peace and reconciliation will not be sustainable,” he said.

DJSR Anyidoho also emphasized that in order to prevent recurrence of conflict, peace processes must not only examine and address the effects of conflict, but also its root causes.

The workshop, which was attended by approximately 35 participants, including lawyers, members of national NGOs and professors from across North Darfur, will provide an opportunity to learn about the notion of transitional justice and about transitional justice responses in different contexts. It will examine complementary ways of dealing with a legacy of abuses, such as truth seeking, institutional reforms and various forms of reparations to victims.

The Human Rights Section of UNAMID is mandated to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Darfur and to promote the respect and protection of human rights in Darfur. It contributes to capacity building efforts undertaken by national and international actors in the area of human rights.