[Juba, South Sudan, TCT] A recent debate on traditional mechanisms for peace and reconciliation discussed various options for achieving healing and reconciliation in South Sudan.
The debate held over the weekend was organized by the Sudd institute, a national think tank, with support from the UN Development Program (UNDP) to explore how traditional justice mechanisms such as blood compensations could be used to attain sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Speaking at the forum, Zacharia Diing Akol, a member and director of training of the Sudd institute, says reconciliation should start with dialogue.
“Attempts should be made to create forums where people can dialogue. We know the magnitude of what has happened. The outbreak of violence in 2013 simply compounded the situation but even before that we were not reconciled as a nation due to the legacies of the last war. And I think we have to address them in order for us to move forward. It is in our interest to really engage one another and create forums where people can express what can be done”, said Akol.
According to Mr. Akol, South Sudanese culture has traditionally believed that justice has been done once blood compensations are done, prompting the grieved families to open up for reconciliation. So having dialogue with participation of the affected people will bring grassroots solution quickly, he said.
In a related development, a cultural campaign celebrated on South Sudan’s heritage that showcases the country’s different cultures and traditions was held in Juba.
The campaign organized by the UN education and scientific organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with Hope Society, a national non-profit organization was to show how South Sudanese different cultures could bring them together.
Speaking to Media Madam Lydia Gachungi, UNESCO’s Communication officer says culture is vital in uniting communities.
“We believe that culture has the power to unite people across the world and of course within the country. Culture is a bridge between generations and it unites us and gives us the national identity. In fact globally, culture has the power to transform the society’s minds”, she said.
The Unite for Heritage is a global campaign to create a global movement to protect and safeguard heritage in areas where culture is threatened.
[Juba, South Sudan, TCT] A recent debate on traditional mechanisms for peace and reconciliation discussed various options for achieving healing and reconciliation in South Sudan.
The debate held over the weekend was organized by the Sudd institute, a national think tank, with support from the UN Development Program (UNDP) to explore how traditional justice mechanisms such as blood compensations could be used to attain sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Speaking at the forum, Zacharia Diing Akol, a member and director of training of the Sudd institute, says reconciliation should start with dialogue.
“Attempts should be made to create forums where people can dialogue. We know the magnitude of what has happened. The outbreak of violence in 2013 simply compounded the situation but even before that we were not reconciled as a nation due to the legacies of the last war. And I think we have to address them in order for us to move forward. It is in our interest to really engage one another and create forums where people can express what can be done”, said Akol.
According to Mr. Akol, South Sudanese culture has traditionally believed that justice has been done once blood compensations are done, prompting the grieved families to open up for reconciliation. So having dialogue with participation of the affected people will bring grassroots solution quickly, he said.
In a related development, a cultural campaign celebrated on South Sudan’s heritage that showcases the country’s different cultures and traditions was held in Juba.
The campaign organized by the UN education and scientific organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with Hope Society, a national non-profit organization was to show how South Sudanese different cultures could bring them together.
Speaking to Media Madam Lydia Gachungi, UNESCO’s Communication officer says culture is vital in uniting communities.
“We believe that culture has the power to unite people across the world and of course within the country. Culture is a bridge between generations and it unites us and gives us the national identity. In fact globally, culture has the power to transform the society’s minds”, she said.
The Unite for Heritage is a global campaign to create a global movement to protect and safeguard heritage in areas where culture is threatened.
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