South Sudanese lawyers call for the respect of the rule of law and human rights
South Sudan Law Society (SSLS)
7 June 2013
Lawyers in the Republic of South Sudan call for advocacy for the supremacy of the respect of the rule of Law, Human Rights in South Sudan
South Sudan Law society have organized a one day Strategic convening meeting on the constitutional making process that took place on Friday 7th of June 2013 at New York Hotel from 3:00pm to late evening in Juba where all the Lawyers in the Republic of South Sudan, who are members of the South Sudan Law Society were invited and other dignitaries from the Ministry of Justice and lawyers were from different Institutions in South Sudan, some of them were from Ministry of Justice in the Republic of South Sudan, some were from various Law firms in the Country and many more.
The main agenda was the debate on some of the amendments that need to be put in to consideration in this current drafting of the constitutional making process by the National Constitution Review Commission (NCRC) that was established year ago by the government of the Republic of South Sudan.
As an Legal institution that is a reputable, professional Civil society Organization for all Lawyers in South Sudan that strives for good governance and respect of human rights, it was wise to call all Lawyers in the country to come and make analysis about how the constitution of the Republic of South Sudan should be review and how it should reflects people views and aspirations not individuals interest since this is the crucial movement where South Sudan is a Nation of its own.
The term constitution making process covers both the process of drafting and substance of the new Constitution. The process of making a constitution includes promoting the knowledge about the constitution, and facilitating the public participation so its represents moments of great opportunity to create a common vision of the future of the state, the results of which can have profound and lasting impacts on peace and stability.
Since the Constitution derives its authority from the will of the people as provided the article 3(1) of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011. The participation of all South Sudanese in the process is a MUST the people have to own the process by expressing their wills or views in a transparent manner
Background of South Sudan Law Society
The SSLS was founded in 1994 by a group of lawyers from South Sudan. During the second civil war (1983-2005), the SSLS was at the forefront of advocacy for rule of law and human rights in South Sudan. SSLS members participated in the drafting of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the National Interim Constitution and the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan. The SSLS is also one of the few organizations, private to provide legal aid services in South Sudan and advocating for the respect of the rule of Law and Human Rights.
South Sudan Law society was founded in 1994 in Nairobi. It started its operations in Nairobi and later relocated to Rumbek in South Sudan in 2002.SSLS was deeply involved in the peace process and after the signing of the CPA in 2005 it moved its offices to the then Capital of the South in Juba. In 2011 when South Sudan attained Independence, SSLS has spread its offices to all the States of the south and has seven offices in the country. Its headquarters is in Juba with offices in Torit, Renk, Yei, Akobo, Budi, Rumbek and Ikotos.
P.O. Box Private Bag Juba Southern Sudan
Tel. +211 (0) 955073591or + 211 (0) 955148989 or Sat. Phone: +8821644446320
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