On Wednesday 20 September, Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone and Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste co-hosted parallel g7+ High Level Side Events on “Promoting Justice: Accelerating Progress towards SDGs 16” and “Pursuit of Peace through Nationally Owned Mechanism” in the margin of 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York.
At the Justice meeting, discussed and explored concrete ways in which will guide international assistance to work with the state to localise the justice system, DRC Minister of Justice, Alexis Mwamba said that DRC want to “promote justice by bringing it close to those citizens deprived of it” while Sierra Leone Minister of Foreign Affair shared “Sierra Leone has mobile court in the rural area to ensure people can access to justice”
In addition adapting formal and informal justice system that also become the major point that were highlighted, speaking at the events also Chair of the g7+, Momodu Kargbo emphasised that “citizens ability to access to justice is a glue that binds together societies peacefully”
Strengthening institutions and capacitating judges and lawyers were some of the important aspect to put states in the driver seat to have sustainable justice system, Eminent Person of the g7+ Xanana Gusmao, concluded “There will not be sustainable development unless we all bring sustainable change in ways we engage in FCS”
In the same room then continued with the 2nd High Level Dialogue on Pursuit of Peace was to capture meaningful perspectives and increase our awareness on the national ownership and leadership in pursuit of sustainable peace in g7+ countries through reconciliation and national dialogue.
The event was opened by the President 72nd Session of General Assembly, H.E. Miroslav Lajcak and Sierra Leone Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Samura Kamara read out speech of the Sierra Leone President, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma.
Also addressing the event was Indonesia Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Retno Marsudi, who said Indonesia is determined as “A True Partner in World Peace”, to play a greater constructive role in creating environment conducive for peace through development cooperation for our brothers and sisters emerging humanitarian crises and conflict”
In the same opportunity, the g7+ Secretariat launched the g7+ Foundation and a brief case study on the peace and reconciliation between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, read out statement of Former President of Indonesia, H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who was together with the g7+ Eminent Person, H.E. Xanana Gusmao initiated the Commission of Truth and Friendship (CTF). The statement emphasised that “let Indonesia and Timor-Leste be a powerful example that former enemies can be partners for peace. That wounds can heal. That no enmity can last forever. That love and laughter can return to societies in conflict. When people remember Indonesia and Timor-Leste, I hope people will remember not the conflict, but the courage, the imagination and the goodwill that turned that conflict into peace”
Participating in the event included Permanent Representative from g7+ countries, Development Partners, International organisations, academia and civil society representative.
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