South Sudan needs a watchdog to protect human rights in the country because the country is under scrutiny by the international community.
This was the main message from the South Sudan Human Rights Commission Deputy Chairperson Biel Jock during a rally that was part of a week-long human rights education and awareness clinic in Juba.Mr Jock said during the war there was widespread abuse of human rights due to poverty and lack of democracy.
He added that there were no institutions available to safeguard human rights, good governance and the rule of law.
Mr Jock explained that after independence the Human Right Commission should act as a watchdog and be protected and promoted so that everybody is aware of his or her rights.
Deputy Chairperson of the Human Right and Humanitarian Affairs Committee in the National Legislative Assembly Gabriel Gouth Gouth said the parliament approved the Transitional Constitution South Sudan incorporating all international human rights.
He added that the Bill of Rights has 26 articles that need to be implemented an respected because South Sudan is under scrutiny by the international community.
The clinic on human rights started on Monday and concludes tomorrow in Juba.
Today, it included a procession from the head office of South Sudan Human Rights Commission to Al Zahara football ground in Konyo-konyo.