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Yasmin Sooka

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Yasmin Sooka is a South African attorney and human rights advocate who has held prominent roles in international justice and accountability. She began her career defending anti-apartheid activists and later served on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 1995 to 1998. Her international work includes serving as a commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Sierra Leone and chairing the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. Sooka also acts as the executive director of the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa.

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What was Yasmin Sooka's role regarding human rights in South Sudan?

Yasmin Sooka, a renowned South African human rights lawyer, served as the Chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. Appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, she led the team tasked with investigating severe atrocities and war crimes during the country's brutal civil conflict. Her detailed reports drew global attention to the devastating humanitarian crisis.

Did Yasmin Sooka work on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

Yes, following the end of apartheid, Sooka was appointed by Nelson Mandela as one of the 17 commissioners on South Africa's historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 1995. She served on the TRC's Human Rights Violations Committee, taking testimonies from victims of political crimes. Her work on the TRC established her as a leading global authority on transitional justice.

What role did Yasmin Sooka play in Sierra Leone?

After her foundational work in South Africa, Sooka was appointed to serve on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Sierra Leone. The commission was established in 2002 to investigate the horrific abuses committed during the decade-long Sierra Leone Civil War. Her expertise in post-conflict healing was vital to documenting the trauma caused by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

What human rights organization did Yasmin Sooka found?

Sooka is the founder and current Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) in South Africa. The organization focuses extensively on promoting social justice, economic rights, and constitutional literacy within vulnerable communities. She established the foundation to help operationalize the rights enshrined in South Africa's new post-apartheid constitution.