At South Sudan Widows and Orphans Charitable Organization (SSWOCO/WOCO), we believe that true peace begins with justice, truth, and reconciliation. Recently, our Executive Director, Madam Mary, and our colleague Mr. Wanis joined a national radio program on transitional justice to share our perspective and the voices of the communities we serve.

Centering the Voices of Survivors

During the discussion, we brought forward testimonies from Malakal — widows, displaced persons, people living with disabilities, and other survivors of conflict. Their stories remind us why transitional justice cannot remain an abstract policy, but must be felt in the lives of ordinary South Sudanese.

Our Role as WOCO

Since our founding in 2011, WOCO has worked to protect widows, orphans, and vulnerable groups through child protection, psychosocial support, peacebuilding, and resilience programs. We currently serve communities in Malakal and Melut counties, and as part of a consortium with partners like War Child Holland, Plan International, and SADO, we are building pathways of healing and protection across Upper Nile State.

Why Trust and Protection Matter

One of the biggest challenges in transitional justice is fear and mistrust. Survivors often hesitate to speak, worried about retaliation or doubtful that justice will follow. For this reason, we emphasized the need for:

· Confidentiality and protection for victims and witnesses

· True inclusivity — ensuring widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, and survivors of sexual violence are not excluded

· Institutional reforms that rebuild trust in courts, police, and justice mechanisms

· Implementation of existing laws, such as the 2011 Act for War Disabled, Widows, and Orphans

As Madam Mary said during the program:

“Transitional justice must be inclusive. Everyone — regardless of gender, age, or ability — deserves to be part of shaping peace.”

Walking Together Toward Peace

For WOCO, transitional justice is not only about commissions and frameworks. It is about people — their dignity, their stories, and their healing. We remain committed to ensuring that widows, orphans, and vulnerable groups are not left behind as South Sudan journeys toward reconciliation and lasting peace.