The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) has urged the government to amend the National Security Service Act.
The activists said the Act gives the National Security Service unchecked powers to arrest or detain suspects.
The concern was raised on Friday during the human rights defenders’ high-level panel discussion, organised by the (SSHRDN) to strengthen dialogue between government stakeholders and civil society on the promotion of human rights.
The head of the SSHRDN secretariat, James Bidal, said the government should open a civic space as guaranteed in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan
“We call on the government 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 organisations to form and operate without any hindrances,” Bidal emphasised
According to the SSHRDN, a decade, after South Sudan had attained its independence, restrictions to human rights and fundamental freedoms have led to the shrinking of civic space as the environment in which citizens organise and participate in governance remains hostile.
They said provisions contained in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan in the regional and international treaties that guarantee the respective human rights are not being respected.
They appealed to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights to follow up on its Resolution 428 and adopt a resolution.
“We strongly condemn all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in South Sudan, including attacks against journalists, human rights defenders, members of civil society organisations and humanitarian workers,” said Bidal.
Rights defenders urged the government 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. They also called for the establishment of a hybrid court for South Sudan, with the support of the AU Commission Chairperson and the African Commission.
“We urge 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.”
The event in Juba was part of the 69th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights that is ongoing from November 15 – December 5 2021.