About us
Youth Organisation for Research and Justice Advocacy (YORJA)
The African Union, with support from the U.S. Missions to the African Union, organized the third edition of the African Youth for Transitional Training (AU4TJ) from the 2nd to the 4th of November, in Malabo, Guinea Equatorial, Where several Youths were brought together for a three (3) day training on the African Union Transitional Justice Policy.
The Youths were trained on critical aspects of the Policy, and inducted into the already established continental youth platform on transitional justice. YORJA was conceived by Participants of the Cohort who came together to set up a center to lead the implementation of the AUTJP, to encourage active youth participation in TJ processes and to provide a platform through which youths can interrogate and be a part of the policy making process
YORJA is a registered Trust under the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Our target audience are African youths, youth-led groups and other transitional justice stakeholders. Our goal is to give young people a forum where they may express themselves, have their voices heard, and be encouraged to take part in creating a more equitable and peaceful society.
We believe that by enabling young people to be transitional justice leaders, we can make the world a fair and peaceful place for everybody.
Our Mission
To empower young people to lead the process of transitional justice, promote accountability, and foster reconciliation in communities affected by conflict and human rights abuses.
Our Vision
To foster a society in which young people are acknowledged as change agents in the promotion of transitional justice, and where their involvement and leadership are essential to achieving long-term and inclusive peace. We foresee a future in which communities affected by conflict and human rights violations have access to justice, healing, and reconciliation, and where youth-led initiatives play an important role in determining the path ahead.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Our Objectives
YORJA is a youth-led transitional justice organization whose mandate is to promote the participation of young people in transitional justice processes.
Advocating for the Streamlining of various transitional justice processes and experiences across the region, and at national levels.
To promote comprehensive youth engagement in transitional justice processes through youth-led initiatives, capacity trainings, effective engagements at the annual African Continental Transitional Justice Forum, youth-led research and documentation on human rights violations, strategic training on the AUTJP implementation, and youth-led initiatives that contribute to the promotion of accountability, truth-telling, and reconciliation, including through cultural and artistic expressions.
Engaging policymakers and implementers on post-conflict reconstruction and development, particular concerns of youths in post-conflict processes across the continent.
Serving as a continental vanguard to enhance the popularization, local ownership, and youth involvement in the implementation of the AUTJP by AU member States across all levels of governance.
Collaborating and partnering with other youth-led groups and transitional justice stakeholders to create a more inclusive and youth-centered approach to transitional justice.