Over twenty members representing civil society organizations and gender activists in Eastern Equatoria raised some concerns on clauses that need inclusion and other amendments in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan.
In a meeting held yesterday at Eastern Equatoria Women Centre in Torit, the gender and constitutional review committee resolved that issues of girls, children and languages should be clear in the constitution.Ms. Anisia Achieng, the director of gender in the ministry of culture and social welfare, who read out the resolutions, said the new constitution does not define child or girl.
Ms. Achieng added that matters concerning the environment and natural resources including wild animals should be in the Constitution as they are income generating sources.
She added that marriage age should also be specified.
Guarantees for women participation, appropriate checks and balances as well as separation of powers are among the issues the civil society organizations wanted to be improved in the constitution.
Other topics include citizenship, Bill of Rights, and the Roadmap for the Permanent Constitution, Judiciary and rule of law and economic matters and resources.
Decentralization and federal system of governance to ensure effective service delivery were also discussed.