S. Sudan ratifies UN convention on cultural expression

May 27, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese lawmakers on Wednesday ratified the United Nations Convention on Protection and Promotion of Cultural Expression, 2005, months after its introduction in parliament.

The move came shortly after the chairperson of parliament’s specialised committee for information, telecommunication and culture, Thomas Wani kundu presented his report to the assembly.

“The convention is consistent with the transitional constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 and other domestic laws of South Sudan,” Kundu told MPs after reading chapters of the document.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) Convention came into force in 2007. It provides principles for respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms, principle of sovereignty, equal dignity for all cultures and openness, among other provisions.

After deliberations, MPs moved a motion to ratify the UN convention.

The word’s youngest nation became the 133 state to ratify the convention. With 64 tribes with different cultures and norms, South Sudan is regarded one of the most diversified countries in the world.

(ST)