Members of the Quad and Troika (Norway, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States) appreciate this opportunity to make some comments at the opening of this workshop on transitional justice.
The demand for justice was at the heart of the Revolution, and this underscores the importance of a comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent transitional justice process that prioritizes accountability. We know the reason why this is so important to all Sudanese. Over many decades the people of Sudan have suffered too much, without any redress or accountability.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all of the victims and their families.
While it is beyond anyone’s power to undo the past, a well-defined process of transitional justice, on the basis of agreed international principles and with transparency, is the best way to prevent new crimes from happening. We note that these principles, by and large, are reflected in Sudan’s current law and in international conventions to which Sudan acceded after the 2019 revolution. Here we would note the importance of balancing retrospective accountability and forward-facing reconciliation: both elements are vital for credible transitional justice efforts, as shown by the experience of other countries which have successfully made the transition from conflict and dictatorship, to peace and civilian rule.
The Framework Political Agreement is very clear about the need to address all aspects of transitional justice, including in Paragraph 7 of the General Principles:
“Consolidating the principles of justice and accountability, including transitional justice mechanisms, and putting an end to the phenomenon of impunity and holding accountable those who commit serious crimes and genocide, and violate international humanitarian law and human rights law, including sexual violence and all forms of violence against women”.
The FPA also called on all Sudanese to voice, through broad public participation, how they believe the agreement must address justice and transitional justice. Specifically, it stresses the importance of participation by “stakeholders and martyrs’ families,” as well as others who have been victims of human rights violations since 1989. We understand that representatives of these groups are present here today.
To prepare for this workshop, there have been regional workshops in different parts of the country. We have received reports that discussions were frank and honest. We regret that some of the planned regional workshops were prevented from taking place, but are heartened that representatives of all regions are present here today to take part in this national dialogue.
Now that you have come together to address the national issues, we expect and hope that you will ask fundamental questions of how to deal with the crimes that have been committed. We encourage you to make concrete and practical proposals both on how to achieve justice for the victims and how to prevent recurrence, drawing on international experience and expertise. You will be confronting highly complex and controversial issues. However, the credibility of a final political agreement depends on the integrity of the proposals that you will make at the end of this workshop. It is a solemn obligation. We are confident that you will proceed with the best intentions in mind.
Finally, we want to use this occasion to reiterate that we continue to work with other international partners in support of the Trilateral Mechanism (UNITAMS, AU, IGAD) to enable the Sudanese people to advance Sudan’s democratic transition on the basis of the Framework Political Agreement, which remains the only credible path to a new civilian-led government. We know you understand the urgency of reaching an agreement on all outstanding issues. A civilian-led government is the key to building the democratic institutions that will help realize an inclusive process of transitional justice.
