Fundamental human rights vital for referendum success: SSHRC boss

By Julius N. Uma

November 20, 2010 (JUBA) – Civil society organizations should lead efforts to create awareness among the southern population regarding legislation intended to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and transparent referendum, Lawrence Korbandy, the chairperson of South Sudan Human Rights Commission (SSHRC) has advised.

South Sudan’s referendum, due in January next year is a key part of Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which brokered a peace deal between the north and south of the country after nearly two-decades of a bloody civil war.

Korbandy, who officially opened a three-day workshop held in Juba, the Southern Sudan capital, appealed to civil society and human rights activists to closely liaise with SSHRC in the course of the referendum process.

“The holding of this workshop has been very timely. I want to assure you that as the commission in-charge of human rights, we shall remain committed towards supporting all initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of everyone in the semi-autonomous region [South Sudan],” the SSHRC boss remarked.

The stakeholders’ workshop, organised by Cush Community Relief International (CCRI), is mainly aimed at reflecting on the human rights and good governance needed in the referendum process.

Preparations for the referendum on possible independence of the south remain behind schedule. While voter’s registration started about a week ago, the accreditation of both local and international observers, initially earmarked before registration process, has not yet started.

Gatkouth Duop CCRI’s Chairperson commended SSHRC for its exemplary role promoting human rights through forums, calling for more public outreach programmes to be conducted all over the 10 sates of South Sudan.

For the past five years he said that CCRI has played an essential role in promoting human rights, through provision of water, health services and basic education for the marginalized communities of the greater Akobo County, Jonglei state.

The US-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is supporting the three-day workshop held at the Royal Gardens hotel in Juba.

(ST)