The United Nations says South Sudan has committed to protecting cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value by signing the World Heritage Convention.

South Sudan ratified the convention this month and became the 192nd State Party.

To date, 46 countries from Africa are part to the World Heritage Convention.

In a statement, the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization says South Sudan officially deposited its instrument of ratification of the Convention in March.

UNESCO says it experts will continue working closely with the national team of focal points and site managers.

It says over the next three months, it will conduct distance mentoring to the team to gather and prepare the information necessary for the submission of South Sudan’s Tentative List.