South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has adopted the report of the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly following its presentation to parliament on Tuesday.
The assembly was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 23 October and brought together lawmakers from around the world to discuss global security and humanitarian challenges.
Presenting the report on behalf of the TNLA Committee on Peace and International Security, Gabriel Guot Guot, a member of the South Sudanese delegation, outlined key resolutions adopted by the global parliamentary body.
He said the IPU Assembly unanimously approved a resolution calling for stronger parliamentary action against transnational organised crime, cybercrime and hybrid threats to democracy and human security.
According to Guot, the general debate at the assembly focused on “upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis,” examining the role of parliaments in promoting respect for international humanitarian law and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
“The discussions centred on parliamentary commitments to international humanitarian law, inclusive humanitarian responses and the protection of multilateral values during crises,” he told lawmakers.
The assembly also debated how parliaments can safeguard humanitarian funding amid economic and political pressures, protect vulnerable groups during disasters and conflicts, and prevent short-term national security interests from undermining humanitarian obligations.
Guot said the Speaker of the TNLA, Jemma Nunu Kumba, addressed the assembly and highlighted the relevance of the theme to South Sudan’s situation.
He added that South Sudan’s presentation drew attention to the country’s humanitarian burden, noting that it hosts more than 650,000 refugees from neighbouring countries while continuing to uphold international humanitarian norms.
Guot said President Salva Kiir Mayardit has consistently directed authorities and host communities to protect refugees and allow humanitarian workers free movement across the country.
As part of the outcomes of the general debate, the IPU Assembly adopted the Geneva Declaration on upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis.
On emergency agenda items, Guot said three proposals were submitted, but only one was adopted—a resolution on parliamentary action against transnational organised crime, cybercrime and hybrid threats to democracy and human security.
He also briefed lawmakers on accountability within the IPU, describing it as a core priority of the organisation’s 2022–2026 strategy. He cited a 70% participation rate among African member parliaments.
For her part, Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba said South Sudan’s participation in the assembly followed several years of absence.
She said logistical challenges limited the size of the delegation, with only two lawmakers able to attend the Geneva meeting.