A South Sudanese human rights group has expressed concern about the methods being used to gather public views on candidates for a key national commission.
The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network said it was worried by the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) Selection Panel’s use of open platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to receive submissions.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the group’s Head of Secretariat, James Bidal, warned that such platforms may not provide sufficient security or confidentiality for a process of “such national importance”.
“The reliance on these social media tools could compromise the integrity of the exercise,” Bidal said.
He argued that platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were vulnerable to monitoring and data breaches, making them “unsuitable for such sensitive submissions”.
The CTRH is a cornerstone of South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, tasked with addressing human rights violations and promoting healing after the country’s civil war.
Bidal did commend the selection panel for its “diligence and transparency” in managing applications, noting that attracting 46 qualified candidates was a “positive and encouraging milestone”.
However, he stressed that “transparency should not come at the expense of security”.
He urged the panel to consider using “secure, dedicated, and encrypted submission platforms”, such as official online portals or protected government channels.
“An insecure submission mechanism risks discouraging meaningful participation and weakening the public trust,” Bidal added.
The group reiterated that public input was vital for the commission’s credibility, but must be properly protected.
South Sudan’s government has not yet responded to these concerns.