South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
A Member of Parliament, Nyayang Lok Riak, has pressed the Minister of Justice to explain the delay in passing six key bills, including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Family Bill, the Women Empowerment Bill, the Child Labour Accountability Bill, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill, all of which have stalled in the ministry for years.
She noted that the legislation has been stalled in the ministry for years, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups.
Speaking during the parliamentary sitting, Nyayang Lok Riak expressed her frustration that vital legislation affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups has yet to be brought before parliament.
“Where are the six bills? We have concerns that directly relate to the Committee on Gender regarding certain bills that have been pending in the Ministry of Justice for almost a decade,” she stated.
“These bills are urgently needed by women, children, and elderly people in South Sudan. Honorable Minister, why are they still stuck in your ministry?” Nyayang questioned.
She added that without a child labour accountability law, “we will never hold individuals or parents responsible for exploiting children who are forced to work on the streets in the country.”
Nyayang further emphasised the urgency of the Anti-GBV Bill, especially with elections approaching.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba acknowledged these concerns, noting that her office has also received inquiries from citizens seeking updates on the pending bills.
“These are outstanding bills,” Kumba said. “The Minister will be able to provide details, as my office has also been asked about the Family Bill, the Anti-GBV Bill, and others. However, I believe we have already passed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities here.”
South Sudan faces challenges stemming from a complex legal system that encompasses statutory, customary, and religious laws, often resulting in unfairness, particularly regarding family and gender rights.
Gender-based violence remains a serious issue, exacerbated by years of conflict that have entrenched discriminatory practices.
