By Deng Ghai Deng
Authorities in Jonglei State’s capital Bor marked Human Rights Day on December 10th with a strong call to refocus efforts on human rights as a crucial pathway to justice and long-term security in the region. The event, held in collaboration with key stakeholders including the UNDP, UNMISS’s Human Rights Division, UNHCR, and the State Human Rights Commission, highlighted the urgent need for accountability and protection of rights.
The occasion was officiated by Malual Gabriel Kon, the Jonglei State Minister of Peace Building, who emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the protection and respect for human rights as fundamental for lasting peace and stability.
“Human rights are not just principles; they are the very foundation upon which peace and security can be built,” Minister Kon stated. “Jonglei State is committed to working alongside our partners to create an environment where every citizen can live with dignity and safety.”
Geetha Pious, the Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Bor, stressed the need for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to address human rights violations. She called for collective action from the government, civil society, and international partners to build accountability and justice.
“I urge the people of South Sudan, including governments and civil society, to support initiatives that promote accountability, which will create a more just and equitable country,” Pious said.
In a conversation with this publication, Peruth Karungi, a Security Specialist with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), discussed the escalating human rights violations in the state. These violations have been exacerbated by ongoing issues such as cattle rustling and child abductions, all of which reflect broader systemic challenges linked to a lack of accountability and persistent conflict.
“Through our Access to Justice, Security, and Human Rights Strengthening Programme, UNDP has been supporting the State Human Rights Commission and other local actors to enhance their capacity to fulfill their duties, raise awareness through radio outreach, technical capacity strengthening and monitoring of human rights violations with necessary resources like motorcycles,” Karungi explained.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s Human Rights Day, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” Karungi emphasized the deep resonance of this message with the people of Jonglei, whose rights have been continually violated due to cyclical conflicts and insufficient accountability mechanisms.
“Human rights play a crucial role in prevention, protection, and transformation. It is essential that everyone works together to ensure that rights are respected, as they are the core foundation of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies,” Karungi concluded.
Human Rights Day, celebrated globally on December 10th, marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This historic document lays out the fundamental rights that every person is entitled to, regardless of their background, and serves as a universal standard for human rights protection worldwide.