Amnesty International: Crippled justice system and blanket amnesties fueling impunity in South Sudan

Amnesty International has released a new report accusing the South Sudan government of fueling impunity for war crimes through what it refers to as a ‘crippled justice system and blanket amnesties.’

 

The 40-page report titled “Do you think we will prosecute ourselves?” suggests there are no prospects for justice in South Sudan and highlights failure of the South Sudanese government to investigate and prosecute suspects of crimes committed under international law and other serious human rights violations since the start of the conflict in December 2013. 

 

According to the rights group, South Sudanese tribunals have failed to provide justice to victims of the conflict and says ordinary courts are crippled by a severe lack of independence. 

 

The Rights group accuses the government of lacking political will to hold perpetrators of the most serious crimes accountable – through blanket amnesties granted on several occasions in recent years and makes a strong case for the immediate establishment of the Hybrid Court.   

 

The report demands pressure from the African Union, the United Nations and foreign states, to ensure that South Sudan authorities sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the African Union and enact legislation necessary for the establishment of the Court and recommends creation of an adhoc tribunal in the interim if necessary. 

 

The report is based on 47 interviews conducted mainly in South Sudan in March and April 2019 with legal professionals, government officials, UN personnel, and civil society representatives working in or with the justice sector, alongside review of documentary evidence.  

 

The South Sudan government is yet to comment on the report. 

 

Director of Amnesty international East and Horn of Africa, Seif Magango spoke to Radio Miraya in this interview.