War Victims Participation in Transitional Justice.

We are so grateful that each of you came. Thank you very much for honoring our invitation to the Greater North War Victims Conference, to discuss our roles as victims and survivors in ensuring the success of transitional justice.

This is a victims’ conference, and we have organized it fully aware that victims of war are not only in Lango, Acholi,

Teso, West Nile or the Greater north. Every citizen in this country has had the bitter taste of war.  As the government has progressed in developing the transitional justice policy, we need to bring the policy from the paper to the community. For us to obtain justice, national peace and reconciliation, we should change hearts, not merely the policy.

What comes from this conference will guide us further on what will be discussed at the Victims’ Conference in Kampala. However, there are needs that must be met even before the conference and the policy. Let us all discuss freely on how we can work together as a people, civil society and government. We have been hurt as a country, and must heal as a country. Putting aside our anger, frustration and history of division, we need to agree as a country on how best to move on.

I appreciate the government of Uganda for supporting this event, stakeholders present and Trust Africa; the donor who provided financial support. On behalf of Africa Youth Initiative Network, I wish you a fruitful deliberation.

You’re welcome.

Victor OCHEN, Director

AYINET UGANDA