Research Shows 80% Of The Population In South Sudan Uniformed About Their Civil Rights

Governance and Civic Education Officer, Mr. Maring Bruno James explaining to citizens about their civic rights and obligations. [Photo| Samuel Lioto]

By Kenyi Samuel Lioto

The population remains uninformed about their civil rights, duties and obligations which is a big challenge to democracy and human rights in South Sudan according to the Governance and Civic Education Officer, Mr. Maring Bruno James.

With a population that is not informed and only cares for their daily survival low service delivery, corruption, poor infrastructure and underdevelopment in the country will thrive due to failure of monitoring elected leaders if they are carrying out their duties as expected of them.

“The problem in the country is that citizen’s fear aspects of dictatorship which they believe exists. The majority of citizens are illiterate, others do not have time for democratic processes and also the lack of civic trainers and materials to conduct trainings, all contribute to lack of civic knowledge.”

Thus, according to Maring, the Governance and Civic Education Director of SSuNDE, he urged the citizens of South Sudan in Nimule to do the following;

• Engage in civic education sessions,
• Brainstorm and be responsible citizens
• Create a culture of involving the marginalized in civic participation
• Participate in hot debates and dialogues on radio stations and TVs if possible to create a sense of civic awareness and disposition.
• Identify dull leaders and challenge their roles through the ballot without fear or favor.
• Create educational resources on civic engagement and disposition in schools and universities.
• Overcome the aspect of illiteracy by introducing the youth in schools to understand their civic rights as early as they are still studying.

“This all will create a peaceful, stable and democratic country that is loved and even admired by tourists. The foundation of peace and social enjoyment in a country begins with the foundation, the that is security and respect of human dignity, irrespective of who you are, what you do and where you come from.’ Said Maring.