Civic to Testify on South Sudan Before House Africa & Global Human Rights Subcommittee

CIVIC to Testify on South Sudan Before

House Africa & Global Human Rights Subcommittee

Calls on U.S. to Support Transitional Justice Mechanisms, Stronger Peacekeeping

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 26, 2016) — Matt Wells, program officer for Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) and lead researcher on South Sudan, will testify before the House Africa and Global Human Rights Subcommittee on April 27, 2016, at 2 p.m. to discuss the devastating impact the conflict has had on civilians in South Sudan and what roles the U.N. and the U.S. government can play in addressing the violence.

The hearing comes a day after opposition leader Riek Machar returned to Juba to join a unity government as South Sudan’s vice president—a move many hope will boost the peace process there. But while Machar’s return represents a notable step in the peace process, it is just that—a first step, and one that does not in itself greatly reduce the risk of violence. The U.S. needs to ramp up its engagement on other key issues that will allow people the peace of mind to begin rebuilding their lives, without fear that armed groups will continue subjecting them to horrific abuses.

Wells’ testimony will recommend that Washington support the implementation of the peace agreement’s transitional justice mechanisms, ensure meaningful security sector reform, and continue working to improve U.N. peacekeeping performance.

The hearing will be held on April 27 at 2 p.m. in Room 2200 in the Rayburn House Office Building (second floor).

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The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) works to make warring parties more responsible to civilians before, during, and after armed conflict. We are advocates and advisers finding practical solutions to civilian suffering in war. We believe that warring parties should do everything in their power to avoid harming civilians and that it is never acceptable to walk away from the harm they do cause. More information available at civiliansinconflict.org.

CIVIC has documented and reported on the conflict in South Sudan, its effect on civilians, and their expectations of justice and assistance following harm. Read our reports here.

To speak to Matt Wells or for more information contact Christopher Allbritton at +1 (917) 310-4785 or chris@civiliansinconflict.org