Lawmaker decries justice ministry delay on key bills

MP Nyanyang Johnson speaks at the assembly during the passing of the draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/2025 national budget to its third reading stage. (Credit: TRC)

A South Sudanese lawmaker on Monday criticized the Ministry of Justice for delaying at least six key pieces of legislation she said are vital for women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Nyayang Johnson Lok Riek, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, raised the issue during a parliamentary session, urging Justice Minister Wek Mamer Kuol to speed up the process.

The pending bills include the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Family Bill, the Women Empowerment Bill, the Child Labour Accountability Bill, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill.

Nyayang, who represents Jonglei State and is a member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), said some of the legislation has been stalled for years. She noted there is no parliamentary record of the African Charter, despite claims it was sent to parliament in 2013.

“These bills are urgently needed by women, children and the elderly in South Sudan,” she said.

She highlighted the Child Labour Accountability Bill in particular, citing the exploitation of children working on the streets of the capital, Juba.

“Those kids are not street children. Most of them are employed by individuals. If we don’t have child labour accountability, we will never hold them responsible,” she said.

Nyayang also said the previous justice minister, Ruben Madol, had promised to table the Women Empowerment Bill before the end of last year, but it was never presented. With elections scheduled for next year, she urged lawmakers to pass the bills before the end of the transitional period.

“I tried to approach you in person, but you told me you were very engaged,” she said, addressing the minister. “Women are asking us on a daily basis.”

Minister Mamer, who was present at the session, did not respond.