Two-day round table discussion to review Nuer customary laws ongoing in Unity State

BENTIU, NOV. 9, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Unity State Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is organizing a two-day round table discussion on Nuer customary laws, locally known as “Fangak Laws.”

The round table discussion being held in the state capital Bentiu aims to harmonize key recommendations from the Unity State Traditional Authority Workshop, which was held from December 6-8, 2022, to formulate a revised customary law in the state.

Speaking during the opening session of the round-table discussion on Thursday, Unity State Acting Governor and Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies William Dak Koy urged citizens to participate actively in the round table discussion.

“I have officially opened these two days round table discussion on Nuer customary laws reviews just feel free to discuss whatever you think should be eliminated in the Nuer customary laws,” he said.

He added that his state government would soon organize another round table discussion on Nuer customary laws in Koch County for the greater Nuer in Western Upper Nile and Eastern Upper Nile, but he did not specify when the workshop would start.

“Our being here is to review Nuer customary laws, so we have to be keen enough to review these per articles,” Koy said.

UNHCR Unity State Head of Field Office Hilda Ochuonyo added that the round table discussion would offer broader knowledge and useful information to ensure respect for human rights, gender equality, fairness, and impartiality during traditional court proceedings and the decision-making process.

“At the end of the discussion, there will be an overview of several recommendations, including ascertainment of customary laws for improving the function of the traditional court,” Ochuonyo said.

The discussion involved different partners and experts, including senior government officials, to address all relevant questions and assist the reviewing process.

It also recognized the need for incorporating imperative human rights standards and national laws.