SAHRC and UN host roundtable discussion on promoting transitional justice in conflict and post conflict societies

The South African Human Rights Commission and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, invites members of the media to the opening session of their three-day roundtable discussion on National Human Right Institutions and their role in the promotion of transitional justice. The discussions are scheduled for Friday, November 23 until Sunday, November 24, 2007, in Cape Town.   

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Johny de Lange, is expected to officially open this gathering whose aim is to create engagement on transitional justice between NHRIs, international and regional human rights experts.  It is also expected to create a forum for NHRIs to discuss and share their experiences and lessons learned in the area of transitional justice, raise awareness of NHRIs on the potential role they can play during the period of transition to contribute to combating impunity and to promoting the rule of law, and formulating strategies and recommendations.

About twenty national human rights institutions from countries (Africa) -Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Sudan; (the Americas)- Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala; (Asia Pacific)- Nepal, Timor Leste, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines; (Europe) - Azerbaijan, Ireland, Northern Ireland; (MENA region) - Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, which have experienced conflict or are currently involved in conflict, will attend this roundtable discussion.

In 2004, in his report to the Security Council, the then UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan noted that important lessons can be learned from different experiences of transitional justice. He mentioned that success will depend on a number of critical factors, among them the need to ensure a common basis in international norms and standards and to mobilize the necessary resources for a sustainable investment in justice. Rather than investing on “one-size-fits-all formulas?or “importation of foreign models? the Secretary General report encouraged for support “national assessments, national participation and national needs and aspirations.

It is in line with his and the UN General Assembly’s position, that the OHCHR Plan of Action 2006-2007 focuses on fighting against impunity as one of the key actions to ensure respect for justice and the rule of law, which are, in turn, necessary for effective promotion and protection of human rights. The OHCHR works to foster transitional justice, strengthen the rule of law and national systems of human rights protection, “including institutional capacities for the administration of justice and remedies available for those claiming their rights? This involves providing assistance to programs aimed at combating impunity and providing effective remedies and reparations to victims of human rights violations. Because NHRIs are crucial for ensuring promotion and protection of human rights at the national level, OHCHR strongly supports them to play an effective role in assisting in the development and implementation of transitional justice.

As adopted in 2006 as part of its ongoing engagements on transitional justice, the OHCHR and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, organised an International round table on “The role of National Human Rights Institutions during conflict?with the aim of strengthening the capacity of NHRIs to promote and protect human rights during conflict and post conflict periods. During this three day round table, NHRIs discussed, inter alia, the challenges and remedies they can propose in relation to mediation and reconciliation in situations of conflict; what avenues NHRIs may turn to when faced with situations of severe conflict and post-conflict; the importance of co-operation and mutually reinforcing regional and international relationships among NHRIs in situation of conflicts. Participants agreed on the importance of maintaining the mandate of NHRIs in monitoring human rights situations and reporting human rights violations. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability and addressing human rights violations which occurred during conflict. Finally, participants greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange experiences and reinforce the cooperation among themselves and with OHCHR on these issues- hence this roundtable discussion.

This event will take place as follows: 

Venue: Southern Sun Garden Court Hotel, Eastern Boulevard

(Cnr Melburne & Coronation Road, Welmer Estate, Cape Town

Time: 09:00 ?09:30 Opening

Statement by the Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Mr. Jody Kollapen

Statement by the Deputy Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, Advocate Johannes Hendrik de Lange (TBC)

Statement by the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Issued by the SA Human Rights Commission and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Enquiries:  Lorraine Molepo, SA Human Rights Commission on 072 011 3621 or

                    Jacqueline Nzoyihera, OHCHR on 079 894 6040