South Sudan: Humanitarian community calls for NGO bill to be subject to public consultation following formation of transitional government

(Juba, 5 February 2016): Following the adoption of the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Bill by the National Legislative Assembly, the humanitarian community has called on the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to ensure that the Bill is submitted to a process of public consultation following the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).

“I am deeply concerned that the adoption of this Bill will have wide-ranging and negative ramifications for the humanitarian operation at a time when needs are higher than ever,” said Mr. Eugene Owusu, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. “I therefore urge the Government to uphold both the letter and spirit of the peace agreement on this critical issue.”

The Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan states that, during the transitional period, the TGoNU should review the draft NGO Bill and submit the legislation to a process of public consultation to ensure that it complies with international best practice.

For further information, please contact:
Guiomar Pau Sole, Public Information Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan (pausole@un.org / +211920100411)
OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org/south-sudan or www.reliefweb.int.