South Sudanese leaders should not undermine their efforts to bring an end to the country’s devastating conflict with an amnesty for war crimes and crimes against humanity, human rights watch said.
The parties to the conflict signed a peace deal on 5th of August in Khartoum to form a new unity government. On Wednesday, president Salva Kiir offered a “general amnesty” to leaders of opposition groups involved in the conflict.
Amnesty for atrocities not only conflicts with South Sudan’s international obligations, but experience shows it is no way to build a lasting peace,” said Elise Keppler, associate international justice director at human rights watch.
The international Human Rights groups said in a statement today that international law requires prosecuting those responsible for serious crimes, such as crimes against humanity and war crimes, to ensure victims’ rights to truth, justice, and an effective remedy, along with combating impunity.
