State of human rights deteriorates to lowest level since 2011: Activist

The state of human rights has deteriorated to worst level since independence of South Sudan in 2011, said a civil society activist on the eve of celebration of the International Human Rights Day on December 10.
Activist  Zahra Said Ali, a Women, Peace, and Security Officer for the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSuNDE) speaks at a past event in Juba (File photo)

By Jenifer James 

The state of human rights has deteriorated to worst level since independence of South Sudan in 2011, said a civil society activist on the eve of celebration of the International Human Rights Day on December 10.

 This day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. 

 Zahra Said Ali, a Women, Peace, and Security Officer for the South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections (SSuNDE), told the Dawn in an interview on Monday that before independence, there was some level of human rights recognition, but this has currently deteriorated to the lowest levels with impunity.

Said highlighted several challenges, including social issues such as early child marriages driven by financial motives.

“In many homes, girls are married off before they are ready. Economically, women and girls are the backbone of their families, while men and boys often contribute little to household income,” she said.

She also criticized the lack of enforcement of affirmative action laws, including the provision in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) mandating 35% female representation.

“Recently, the only female governor was removed and replaced by a man,” she disclosed, highlighting how women have been denied their share of political representation at the State level. 

Said emphasized the need for a shift in advocacy strategies to ensure the protection of human rights.

“Women’s and girls’ rights are human rights. We must implement our laws and ensure equal rights for everyone. Without representation for women and girls, human rights in South Sudan remain unattainable,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ter Manyang Gatwech, Chairperson of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), described the current human rights situation in South Sudan as “horrible and terrible.”

He criticized the lack of support for institutions like the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, which he noted lacks basic resources, including an operational office.

“How can these institutions function effectively without proper facilities or funding?” Manyang asked. 

Manyang pointed to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, emphasizing its critical role in addressing human rights violations. He highlighted that South Sudan had received 258 recommendations during the Universal Periodic Review and urged the government to act on these recommendations.

“The government must commit to funding institutions mandated to promote and protect human rights. Financial independence for the Human Rights Commission is essential,” he said.

Manyang called on the government to respect human rights across all sectors and implement resolutions from recent governance forums.

 “This is a crucial step for South Sudan to demonstrate its commitment to human rights,” he said.

As the nation observes International Human Rights Day, activists said that government action is vital to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all citizens.

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