UN Commission Urges South Sudan President to Reject NSS Bill Amid Human Rights Concerns

Yasmin Sooka, Chairperson of the Commission, emphasized that accepting these amendments would signify governmental endorsement of rights violations perpetrated by the NSS.

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a strong plea today, urging President to reject the National Security Service (NSS) Act (Amendment) Bill recently passed by legislators. According to the Commission, if enacted, the bill would entrench arbitrary detention practices and escalate repression by the NSS, further undermining human rights in the country.

Yasmin Sooka, Chairperson of the Commission, emphasized that accepting these amendments would signify governmental endorsement of rights violations perpetrated by the NSS. She called for the bill to be returned to legislators for revision, aligning it with South Sudan's human rights commitments and scrapping the institution's controversial arrest powers, which are frequently abused and deemed unlawful.

Commissioner Barney Afako highlighted the timing of these amendments, noting that as South Sudan prepares for its upcoming elections, ensuring civil and political freedoms without fear of retaliation is paramount. He lamented that instead of opening civic space, the amendments in their current form could exacerbate restrictions.

Key Issues Raised:

Arbitrary Detentions: Section 54 of the 2014 NSS Act empowers officers to arrest suspects without warrants under broadly defined offenses, often leading to prolonged detentions without judicial oversight.

International Commitments: South Sudan acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in February 2024, which mandates protection against arbitrary arrest and requires prompt judicial review for detainees.

Government Commitments: Despite prior commitments to abolish NSS arrest powers, recent legislative actions have contradicted these pledges, reflecting ongoing internal disagreements and legislative inconsistencies.

Judicial Independence: The Commission highlighted the urgent need for a credible judiciary capable of safeguarding citizens' rights against arbitrary state actions.

Call to Action:

The Commission urged President to use his authority to return the Bill to legislators within the 30-day window, emphasizing the imperative to align the legislation with human rights norms and prevent further abuses by the NSS.

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan operates independently under the UN Human Rights Council, investigating human rights violations and advocating for improvements in South Sudan. Supported by a Juba-based Secretariat, the Commission is mandated to report on abuses, clarify responsibilities for crimes, and make recommendations to halt deteriorating human rights situations.

As the international community watches, the fate of the NSS Amendment Bill rests in President's hands. His decision will not only impact the future of human rights in South Sudan but also signal the country's commitment to international standards of justice and governance.