The National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday ratified United Nations Child Rights Convention of November 12 1989 to endorse South Sudan’s membership.
MP Caesar Baya Loyala of Eastern Equatoria State moved a motion for the ratification of the Child Rights Convention after deliberations.
Speaker Manasseh Rundial Magok confirmed agreement of members who passed the treaty unanimously.
MP Mary Puru of Central Equatoria State urged the assembly to ratify the Convention without preconditions and waste of time for South Sudan to become 192nd member.
She argued that the document clearly stipulates child rights and that South Sudan should not be left behind by the rest of the world.
MP Anna Lino Abyei said the convention was important to fix irregularities including absence of birth certificates, something she term a ‘copy and paste policy’ from the Sudan.
She added that children were demanding their involvement in decision making, respect of rights and solicited support from legislators.
UN Child Rights Convention ratification coincided with Universal Children’s Day that calls for prioritization and funding of child protection from violence.