10 December 2013 - Hundreds of South Sudanese citizens gathered in different state capitals today and commemorated International Human Rights Day with speeches, songs, dancing and drama.

Addressing a crowd gathered in the Jonglei State capital Bor, Acting Governor Gabriel Gai Riam said that for the country to fully realize and uphold human rights in South Sudan, it is vital to teach South Sudanese children basic human rights principles.

“When children understand the importance of respecting the rights, dignity and freedom of their neighbours, they will grow up to embody the human rights principles we are celebrating today,” he said.

Noting that 10 December also marks the end of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, Mr. Riam called on all communities in the state to take measures to end violations of women’s rights.

“Our society will not reach its full potential until we recognize and appreciate the equal value of women and girls within our society,” he said.

Conflict and violence are key challenges of Jonglei that aggravate right violations of vulnerable groups, including women and children, said Rachel Anok Omot, State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.

“We must engage our people to participate in awareness on how to bring an end to all types of violence and conflicts in order to live in a sustainable and peaceful state,” said Ms. Omot.

Alier Martin Garang, a representative from South Sudan Human Rights Commission (SSHRC), urged the government to address poverty, marginalization, ethnic conflicts, lack of awareness about democratic values, weak legal frameworks, impunity and poor social services, which he said were major challenges to human rights.

“We want everybody in Unity State to enjoy their rights, so forced and early marriages must be stopped; raping and violence must be combated in the state,” said Acting Governor Mabek Lang Mading during celebrations in the state capital Bentiu.

“All girls must be in schools … (Advanced) age should not be an excuse (because) there is alternative education,” he added.

UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Mary Cummins said that although there had been some progress with the national legislative assembly starting the process of adapting international human rights treaties, the condition of women in South Sudan remained of great concern.

“Women are the main victims of domestic violence,” she said. “They are detained for crimes committed by male relatives. They are not part of decision making bodies (and) many are not allowed to go to school. … South Sudan can and must do better.”

During the ceremony, participants of a course on Human Rights, Peace Building, Democracy and Good Governance received certificates. The course was organized by UNMISS and Lich University in Bentiu from 10 December 2012.

In the Upper Nile State capital Malakal, Acting Governor John Ivo Muntu and other officials called upon people working in the field of human rights to raise awareness in the communities.

“I urge each one of us to … teach our people in the villages (about) human rights,” said the State Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Gatlauk Liep Hoth. “It is our responsibility to protect the rights of vulnerable groups (because) human rights mean life, security and stability.”

In Western Equatoria, UNMISS State Coordinator Ataklti Hailu said human rights are universal and not granted by any central authority. He urged all actors in South Sudan to implement the International Human Rights despite the challenges involved in the process.