A UN official has urged civil society in South Sudan to play its essential role to build democratic governance and highlight issues of poverty, access to health and education as fundamental socio-economic human rights.
Ibrahim Wani heads the Africa Branch of UN Human Rights High Commission. He said today in Juba that civil society groups are essential elements in democratic governance.He added that civil society is crucial to hold leaders accountable and to speak on behalf of venerable people.
Mr Wani said the role civil society plays may not be economically rewarding, but it is for love of the country and to ensure democracy.
He urged the civil society members to maintain a level of competence, credibility and integrity so that they are accepted and respected in their work.
Mr Wani warned the civil society members to be vigilant and not to fail their people in South Sudan.
He said they must speak for social and economic rights that are often neglected, especially those of vulnerable and poor people.
Mr Wani was talking to civil society organizations about their concerns and how the UN High Commission for Human Rights can help.