![UNMISS head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicolas Haysom speaking to the media following a meeting with FVP Riek Machar in Juba [Photo by the office of the FVP]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/182664147_294380705594170_503256949755330230_n.jpg?resize=856%2C418&quality=89&ssl=1)
The UN envoy to South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom made this call on Tuesday while addressing UN Security Council in Geneva.
“We, therefore, call on the government to immediately reconstitute and fund the National Constitutional Review Commission and to fast-track the establishment of the Constitutional Drafting Committee and for Parliament to end its lengthy recess,” said Haysom.
Haysom said the drafting of the constitution will allow South Sudanese to consolidate their identity and establish how they want to be governed.
“First, is the drafting of a new constitution. It is a critical opportunity for South Sudanese to agree on the arrangements by which they can live together harmoniously, avoiding a repeat of the two civil wars that have defined the last decade,” he said.
Haysom called for the inclusion of holdout groups, IDPs, and refugees in the constitution-making process.
“This is intended to be an inclusive process that gives a voice to all South Sudanese, including the holdout groups, but especially IDPs and refugees, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.”
He said the constitution sets the foundation for conducting inclusive and credible elections in 2024.
“I can confirm that the United Nations has received a government request to assist the South Sudanese-owned and administered elections. Noteworthy is the request to support an enabling environment for elections, working with civil society, political parties, and the media,” he said.
He stressed the need to fast-track all preparatory work now, including the immediate constitution and operationalization of the Political Parties Council.
In May 2021, the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace deal launched the Constitutional Making Process.
The Reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission is to be made up of representatives from the transitional government, political parties, faith-based groups, women and youth groups, CSO groups, academics, people with special needs, and other professionals.
