A billboard bearing a message titled: "Promote Freedom of Expression and Human Rights in South Sudan without censorship." erected by Association for Media Development in South Sudan on a road leading to the Malakia Police Station toward UAP Tower in Juba - credit | AMDISS | Juma

Representatives from media institutions, political parties, and civil society organizations in South Sudan have committed to fostering an inclusive, democratic, and peaceful environment for civic and political engagement.

This pledge comes after a two-day workshop held on December 18 and 19, 2024, under the theme: “The Role of the Media, Political Parties, and Civil Society Organizations in Enabling Civic and Political Space in South Sudan.”

The workshop participants reaffirmed their dedication to the full realization of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which lays the foundation for inclusive governance, free expression, and active civic participation.

They expressed their commitment to opening up political and civic spaces in line with previous government decisions and resolutions, including the October 2022 Presidency directive to state governors and local officials.

The declaration highlights a series of commitments from political parties, the media, and civil society organizations:

Political Parties

• Foster an inclusive environment that promotes dialogue, respects diversity, and ensures equal access to public media.
• Uphold democratic principles with a focus on internal party democracy, gender equality, and youth representation.
• Promote non-violence in political competition and reject hate speech and divisive rhetoric.
• Advocate for judicial reforms and protect fundamental human rights.

Media

• Uphold objectivity, accuracy, and fairness to foster informed public debate and hold the government accountable.
• Ensure media platforms are inclusive of marginalized groups and provide space for diverse voices in civic and political discourse.
• Commit to the safety and protection of journalists, advocating for an end to intimidation, harassment, and censorship.
• Promote conflict-sensitive reporting and educate the public on civil rights and responsibilities.

Civil Society Organizations

• Advocate for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, while strengthening civic education and empowering citizens to participate in governance.
• Create platforms for dialogue and collaboration between citizens, the government, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on governance, human rights, and accountability to build transparency and trust.
• Promote peacebuilding, national unity, and reconciliation through dialogue and respect for diversity.

Call to Action for the Government

The participants issued a call to the Government of South Sudan to create an enabling environment for media, political parties, and civil society organizations. This includes guaranteeing their independence, safety, and freedom to operate without fear of harassment or repression.

They also called for the full operationalization of key electoral bodies, such as the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Political Parties Council (PPC), and for the training and deployment of unified forces to ensure peace and security leading up to the scheduled elections.

The declaration emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration, with a shared goal of fostering a peaceful political transition, ensuring that all voices are heard, and creating a South Sudan that is democratic, inclusive, and committed to human rights.

As South Sudan continues its path towards peace and democratic consolidation, this declaration represents a significant step forward in promoting an open, transparent, and inclusive environment where political, civil, and media actors work together to safeguard the rights of all citizens.

With the support of key partners, including the Ministry of Information, UNMISS, and UNESCO, the participants expressed hope that their collective efforts will lead to lasting change in the country’s political landscape.