The Institute for Justice and Peace is an emerging initiative of the Catholic University of South Sudan, established to engage with Justice and Peace Commissions, diocesan coordinators, civil society organizations (CSOs), and civil servants. It is designed as a centre for training, capacity-building, and fostering reconciliation at all levels of society.
Training and capacity building
The centre offers capacity-strengthening programmes for those working in Justice and Peace Commissions and civil society organizations. It especially targets:
- Diocesan Justice and Peace Coordinators
- Civil society employees and volunteers
- Government civil servants involved in conflict-prone institutions
Training programmes include conflict transformation, institutional harmony, reconciliation, and conflict analysis. The goal is to build a culture of peaceful coexistence and social cohesion in professional and civic spaces.
Launch and pilot programme
The institute will begin with a three-month pilot training for Justice and Peace Officers. Upon successful implementation, it will be officially launched and integrated with the Historical Memories Project under a unified Justice and Peace Institute.
Public lecture series: Restoring South Sudan
Through the Institute of Applied Research and Community Outreach (IARCO), CUofSS launched a lecture series titled “Restoring South Sudan: Discussions on Reconciliation, Justice, and Healing.” Inspired by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro’s book, the series addressed:
- Peace mediation and settlement: the IGAD-led peace processes, inclusivity, ownership and sustainability
- Reconciliation as collective responsibility: cycles of violence and moral reparation
- Justice: justice amid human rights violations, displacement and trauma
- Trauma and healing: mental health recovery, with support from USAID’s Morning Star Team
- Dialogue for practical action: follow-up strategies and policy discussions with stakeholders
The series brought together academics, faith leaders, government officials, and civil society members, encouraging open dialogue across generations, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.
Director: Fr. Joseph Daniel