Youth groups in South Sudan called on Thursday for the government to speed up passage of a long-delayed National Youth Bodies Bill, arguing it is crucial to formally recognise the role of young people in governance and economic development.
The legislation, first introduced in 2014, has been stalled for a decade. It was originally a Youth and Sports Bill, but advocates have pushed for it to be separated from sports provisions to ensure a sharper focus on youth issues.
The push was made at a one-day policy dialogue in Juba convened by the group Markaz Al Salam with support from Norwegian People’s Aid, which brought together youth leaders, lawmakers and government officials.
Florence Agiba, Executive Director of Markaz Al Salam, told participants the bill had been “stuck at the Ministry of Justice since 2014.” She described the delay as a missed opportunity to empower a generation.
“The revised Bill should reflect the role of young South Sudanese as innovators, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, farmers, artists and leaders whose contributions touch every sector,” Agiba said.
She urged policymakers to ensure the final bill includes clear accountability mechanisms, sustainable funding and guaranteed youth representation at all decision-making levels.
South Sudan has one of the world’s youngest populations, with more than 70% of its citizens under the age of 30. Since independence in 2011, young people have often borne the brunt of political and economic challenges, facing high unemployment and limited access to education and governance.
Despite this, they play vital roles in peacebuilding, community development and entrepreneurship.
Agum Daniel Awet, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the government remained committed to ensuring the bill is enacted, describing youth as “architects of peace and development.”
During the dialogue, participants raised specific concerns about the current draft.
They called for the document to be simplified and for the powers of the Youth Minister to be clearly defined to prevent overreach. Some youth leaders objected to a provision for special passports for youth delegates, warning it could create confusion with diplomatic categories.
There were also calls to revise the composition of the proposed National Youth Bodies Council and to hold its delegates’ conference every two years instead of annually to reduce costs.
Michael Gorjin, Coordinator for Women and Youth Rights at Norwegian People’s Aid, expressed optimism about the bill’s passage, calling it “a real opportunity for the youth of this country.”
A representative of the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly pledged that lawmakers would safeguard youth interests during the upcoming review.