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STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
TRT: 04:35
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 08 DECEMBER 2023, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, delegates in the hall
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Irena Metodieva Angelova, Senior Human Rights Officer, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS):
“[UNMISS] Human Rights Division stands ready to continue supporting the government of South Sudan, the civil society organizations and all the people of South Sudan to rebuild society that is peaceful without discrimination, resilient and sustainable. In the pre-electoral period, it is particular important to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation are respected.”
3. Various shots, government officials
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Joseph Malek Arop, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, South Sudan
“We are committed to resolve conflict through peaceful means and promoting reconciliation among our diverse communities. We recognize that justice and accountability are essential pillars for lasting peace. In this regard, we continue to strengthen our justice system, ensuring fair trial and access to justice.”
5. Various shots, Milatary and civil society
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Peter Malir, Youth and Civil Society Representative:
“Young people in South Sudan [need] to have their views respected and to have their best interest considered at all levels of governance.
Civic space continues to remain tightened, freedom of expression, assembly and civil society activities subjected to security clearance. Yet, the country is anticipating a democratic process in 2024, the national elections, where CSO [civil society organizations] should be allowed to carry out civic education, awareness and voter education.”
7. Various shots, youth in the hall
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Fidensia Ladu, Commissioner, South Sudan Human Right Commission:
“Justice is the compass that guides us towards a fair and equitable society. It demands accountability for human rights violations.
Justice leaves no rule for impunity and stands firm against all forms of discrimination, ensuring that every individual receives their due rights and dignified treatment.”
9. Various shot, military personal
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Timo Olkkonen, European Union Ambassador, South Sudan:
“As the country moves towards the end of the transition period, it's important [to have] good human rights situation conducive for good civic and political space where people are not afraid to speak up their minds as on issues that pertains to their political rights and the vision that they have for the country.”
11. Various shots, participants
This year, the International Human Rights Day marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an essential foundation for peace and security across the world.
Under the global theme “Freedom, Equality, Sustainable Peace and Justice for all”, South Sudan joined the world and the United Nations family in marking the International Human Rights Day, advocating for equal rights for all people.
South Sudanese communities are facing the constant effects of climate change and the corresponding humanitarian challenges that it has created whilst this young nation is preparing to have its first-ever elections in December 2024. Efforts to ensure human rights are at the heart of this process can be been seen.
SOUNDBITE (English) Irena Metodieva Angelova, Senior Human Rights Officer, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS): “[UNMISS] Human Rights Division stands ready to continue supporting the government of South Sudan, the civil society organizations and all the people of South Sudan to rebuild society that is peaceful without discrimination, resilient and sustainable. In the pre-electoral period, it is particular important to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation are respected.”
The government of South Sudan has endorsed the principle of basic human life in its Transitional Constitution and Bill of Rights, as a part of the comprehensive framework for protecting its citizens.
SOUNDBITE (English) Joseph Malek Arop, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, South Sudan: “We are committed to resolve conflict through peaceful means and promoting reconciliation among our diverse communities. We recognize that justice and accountability are essential pillars for lasting peace. In this regard, we continue to strengthen our justice system, ensuring fair trial and access to justice.”
Creating a conducive political and civic space to accommodate constructive dialogue to ensure citizens fully participate in the processes that shape their future is paramount as the country nears the elections.
SOUNDBITE (English) Peter Malir, Youth and Civil Society Representative: “Young people in South Sudan [need] to have their views respected and to have their best interest considered at all levels of governance. Civic space continues to remain tightened, freedom of expression, assembly and civil society activities subjected to security clearance. Yet, the country is anticipating a democratic process in 2024, the national elections, where CSO [civil society organizations] should be allowed to carry out civic awareness and voter education.”
Making sure that victims receive justice, whilst enforcing accountability, and respecting Human Rights are the hallmarks of maintaining and promoting peace within societies.
SOUNDBITE (English) Fidensia Ladu, Commissioner, South Sudan Human Right Commission: “Justice is the compass that guides us towards a fair and equitable society. It demands accountability for human rights violations.
Justice leaves no rule for impunity and stands firm against all forms of discrimination, ensuring that every individual receives their due rights and dignified treatment.”
The full and effective participation of all persons in society, especially vulnerable people, remains a fundamental principle that needs collective action with the backing of Government institutions in order to strengthen national institutions to uphold the rule of law.
SOUNDBITE (English) Timo Olkkonen, European Union Ambassador, South Sudan: “As the country moves towards the end of the transition period, it's important [to have] good human rights situation conducive for good civic and political space where people are not afraid to speak up their minds as on issues that pertains to their political rights and the vision that they have for the country.”
The promotion and protection of human rights can only be achieved if the process is led by the Government and the people of South Sudan. This is the cornerstone to ensure long-lasting peace.
