Watchdog urges South Sudan to reform security sector to enable conducive civic space 

JUBA – South Sudan’s Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) should expedite the implementation of reforms in the security sector that is provided for in the revitalized peace agreement to ensure civic space, a local advocacy group said Monday.

“South Sudan government should amend the National Security Service Act, which grants the National Security Service unchecked powers to arrest or detain suspects, human rights defenders said on Friday,” South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) said in a statement extended to Sudans Post this afternoon.

James Bidal, the head of SSHRDN secretariat, urged the government to open the civic space as guaranteed in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan and refrain from frustrating advocacy efforts to reclaim the shrinking civic space, saying human rights defenders operate in an increasingly hostile environment.

“We call on the government of the Republic of South Sudan to respect the rights of its citizens to peacefully assemble, associate, and express opinions and views, strengthen the legal framework that allows citizens and civil society organizations to form and operate without any hindrances,” stressed Bidal.

The statement said ten years since independence, South Sudan’s restrictions to human rights and fundamental freedoms have led to shrinking civic space as the environment in which citizens organize and participate in governance has remained hostile.

“This is despite provisions contained in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, regional and international treaties that guarantee the respective human rights. Considering the above, the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights should follow up on its Resolution 428 and adopt a resolution that, among others,” it said.

The statement said “Strongly condemns all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in South Sudan, including attacks against journalists, human rights defenders, members of civil society organizations and humanitarian workers.”

It further urged “the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to urgently initiate the measures required for the implementation of Chapter V of the R-ARCSS for the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing as well as the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and with the support of the AU Commission Chairperson and the African Commission.”

It also requested “the Country Rapporteur for South Sudan to engage with the African Union Commission and the Government of South Sudan with proposals on the operationalization of Chapter V of the R-ARCSS.”

The statement then called “on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to open the civic space as guaranteed in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, and refrain from frustrating advocacy efforts to reclaim the shrinking civic space.”

It then concluded by urging “legal reforms pertaining to civic space, amending the National Security Service Act, which grants the National Security Service unchecked powers to summon, investigate and take particulars and depositions from any suspect and potential witness; arrest and detain suspects of crimes related to national security.”