CSOs in Western Equatoria state participated in a discussion that involved other CSOs from different states or administrative areas such as Warap, Awil, Bentiu, Bor, Pibor, Juba, Kuajok, Malakal, Rumbek, Ruweng, and Wau.
CSOs in Western Equatoria State gathered as one team under the Network for Civil Society Organization to attend this discussion at UNMISS, which emphasized “The Rule of Law, Justice, Security Institutions, and Civil Society in promoting Civic and Political Space.”
Senior representatives from MoJ, TNLA, and the Judiciary took part in this discussion;
Ministry of Justice Hon. Lawrence Kamilo, Director of Legal Affairs. Traditional National Legislative Assembly Hon. Samuel Lotti, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on National Security and Public Order.
Judiciary Justice Kulang Jeroboam, Acting President of the Court of Appeal of Greater Upper Nile Circuit.
These senior representatives stated that this is a crucial forum for them to engage with civil societies to discuss issues that matter. They assured that civil society organizations are the only elements that can bring changes to the policies in South Sudan. But the question is, “How will civil society organizations bring changes?” referring to the constitution of South Sudan starting from Article 10, “which talks about issues related to basic rights which can not be taken away from civil society by anybody.” CSOs are encouraged to report cases against their rights through the Public Interest Litigation Forums as there seems to be interference with their works by different security institutions.
Below are some questions raised by the Civil Society Organization in Yambio
- Has the Judiciary established the High Court according to the Peace Agreement?
- What is the parliament doing about the several roadblocks in collecting money from every passenger?
- Why is there no rotation of court judges at the state level?
- Is there any chance to share soft copies of the policies with the CSOs since they have failed to produce hard copies?
- We are calling to the Ministry of Justice to come to the surface of South Sudan to make sure that the permanent constitution-making process helps fulfill these legal rights through community participation in the process as guaranteed by the peace agreements.
- What Mechanism does the national assembly put in place to deal with members of parliament who have abandoned their constituencies?
- Does Tumaine peace process die? And which framework is giving direction to the current government now?
- Is there a law that makes citizens know about their income collected through taxation?
Despite the current situation in South Sudan, civil society organizations remain an important element to bring better changes to this country. It may take a long time but CSOs are encouraged to keep working hard and together for better changes in South Sudan as no one is coming to do it for them.