Press Release: The Fifth Edition of the African Transitional Justice Forum 2021
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The Fifth Edition of the African Transitional Justice Forum reviews TJ mechanisms to secure and build the Africa we want.
The African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) joined hands to host the 5th Edition of the African Transitional Justice (TJ) Forum virtually from 20 to 22 October 2021 under the theme: Revitalizing African Traditional Justice Mechanisms: Our Heritage for the Africa We Want in line with the African Union's theme for 2021 – "The Year of Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want". This theme was chosen to acknowledge the importance of our common heritage in building the Africa we want.
The meeting provided a range of opportunities for accelerating discussions and forwarding comprehensive recommendations around revitalizing traditional justice mechanisms as complements and alternatives for transitional justice in Africa; addressing gender and masculinity challenges through transitional justice; addressing structural injustices and democratic deficits through transitional justice; addressing transnational conflicts, crimes, and violations through transitional justice as well as addressing climate change impacts through transitional justice.
The three-day participatory meeting also provided a platform for effectively implementing the African Union Transitional Justice Policy in Africa.
In the opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at AUC emphasized that traditional justice mechanisms have not only offered practices that foster healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation but equally incorporate restorative and retributive dimensions, with the same goal of achieving reconciliation and social cohesion like formal mechanisms.
Mr. Tefo Raditapole, Chairperson of CSVR's Board of Directors, highlighted the suffering and losses that Africans have endured, including loss of life and livelihoods as well as the reversal of gains made towards achieving gender justice and human rights due to COVID-19. He implored that transitional justice processes in Africa cannot afford to ignore the negative impacts of COVID-19 on societies, communities and individuals.
Dr. Solomon A. Dersso, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) remarked how the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered transitional justice and peacebuilding processes, as well as the promotion and protection of human rights in the past two years.
For more information about the Forum, contact:
1. Mr. Ikubaje John G | Senior Political Officer/Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission | Email: GbodiJ@africa-union.org
2. CSVR: Ms. Annah Moyo, Acting Executive Director, Center for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) | E-mail: AMoyo@csvr.org.za
For further media inquiries, please contact:
1. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
