UN experts urge protection of political and civic space ahead of elections
Author: John Akot Deng | Published: 7 hours ago
UN human rights experts discuss protection of political and civic space with the African Union Mission in South Sudan. — Courtesy photo
UN human rights experts are urging South Sudan to maintain an open and protected political and civic space ahead of the elections.
The experts warn that restrictions could undermine public participation and confidence in the electoral process.
Commissioners Barney Afako and Carlos Castresana Fernandez of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan made the call during a meeting with the Chair of the African Union Mission in South Sudan, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, and regional ambassadors and diplomats.
The meeting focused on South Sudan’s fragile peace process and preparations for the elections.
The Commission called on South Sudanese leaders to build consensus on the conduct of the elections, saying greater political agreement is needed to prevent further deterioration of the peace process.
According to the Commission, the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, or R-ARCSS, remains the key framework for a credible political transition and should be fully implemented.
The Commission also urged the African Union C5 to step up efforts to address political stagnation and support the country’s peace process.
It further called for an independent and strong justice system to protect citizens and address violations before, during and after the elections.
The Commission urged progress on transitional justice mechanisms, including the long-stalled Hybrid Court for South Sudan.
It says the mechanisms should move forward together to strengthen accountability and reconciliation.
The Commission also stressed that public resources should be managed responsibly and in line with the African Charter and the R-ARCSS.
The Commissioners reaffirmed that peace, justice and accountability must remain central to South Sudan’s political transition as the country moves towards elections.