South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Tuesday committed to increasing budget allocations aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
This pledge was made during the celebrations for the Day of the African Child in Juba, where children voiced their needs and concerns.
During the occasion, the children appealed to the country’s leaders to take immediate action to address the challenges they face.
These challenges include inadequate budgeting for child-related programmes, forced child marriages, widespread poverty and gender-based violence, and limited access to quality healthcare, education, and proper nutrition.
Dr. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, vowed that the assembly would prioritise and increase budget allocations for children’s welfare.
“We must strengthen our implementation efforts and ensure these rights are not only acknowledged in law but realised in practice,” Dr. Nunu said during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child on Tuesday.
“I am glad this conversation is taking place ahead of the 2025/2026 budget planning cycle. Several key parliamentary committees are present today—including Finance, Education, Health, and Human Rights.”
Dr. Nunu revealed that during public hearings, children would be invited to participate and have direct input into policies that affect their lives.
“We must also meet international budgetary benchmarks—10% for education, 15% for health, and others—as committed under various ratified protocols. What remains is the domestication and implementation of these commitments.”
For her part, Noami Mamone, a 16-year-old speaker of the Children’s Council, urged lawmakers to design child-centred policies to address the issues facing them.
“I call on all our leaders, parliamentarians, and the Rt Hon Jemma Nunu Kumba to hear our little voices and take action,” Mamone said.
“You say we are the future of tomorrow, so what will happen if you don’t plan for us today? When you invest in children, you invest in the future. We are not just crying for peace and security—not as a charity but as a right.”
