NGOs praise S. Sudanese women nominations

To: HE Lt Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit

Date: July 14th 2006

First Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan
President of the Government of Southern Sudan
Juba, Sudan

We, the members of New Sudan Women Acting Together for Change (NS WATCH), a Professional Women Association comprising of women from Bahr El Ghazal, Upper Nile, Equatoria, Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile and Abyei, would like to acknowledge and re-enforce our support to you for your timely appointment of women to the Southern Sudan Commissions and Chambers, in accordance with presidential decree No. 56/2006 of 27 June 2006.

Mr. President, the appointment of women to key positions: Chairpersons of the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Commissions, and the Employment and Justice Chamber, as well as the Deputy Chairpersons of other commissions and Chambers is of real encouragement to the women of New Sudan and a positive step towards the Affirmative Action promised by your Government.

While we acknowledge and applaud the recent appointments, we would like to reiterate the need for transparency in selection and nomination to different positions in Government, and where possible, the need to take ethnicity and skills into consideration. This is a matter of utmost importance that must be given precedence if we are to reach our collective endeavor towards the achievement of unity and development within the different communities in Southern Sudan.

Your Excellency, we will continue to assure you of our confidence and support in your leadership and it is our hope that the representation of women in previous and upcoming appointments be enforced and fully reflected.

Your Excellency, please accept our acknowledgement and gratitude for the positive step your government has taken in justly appointing women to the Southern Sudan Commissions and Chambers.

Signed by and on behalf of NS WATCH

Yours Sincerely

Dr. Olivia Lomoro Damain
Executive Director
“Dr. Olivia Lomoro Damain watch organization” [email protected]