By Lodu William Odiya
The National Minister of Youth and sport, Mary Nawai, has called on the youth to be active participants in the South Sudan constitution making process in the country.
She made the remark during the opening of the second edition of the youth constitutional forum under the theme “Youth Rights and Freedom in the Hopeful permanent constitution” in Juba yesterday.
“Let me be very clear, the youth must not be passive observers in the constitutional process. [You] must be active participants, co-creators of the very future they will inherit,” she emphasized.
The event which was organised in collaboration with the UNDP and partners was described by the Minister as critical in the nation’s journey towards lasting peace, justice, and nation building.
“Today’s dialogue is more than just a conversation, it is a milestone, a moment where we as a nation reaffirm that the youth of South Sudan are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but vital contributors today,” Nawai added.
According to her, as they work towards finalizing a permanent constitution, it is imperative that the voices, rights, and aspirations of young people are not only heard but enshrined in the supreme law of the land.
“We must ask ourselves, what kind of South Sudan do we want to build? What freedoms must our youth be granted? What opportunities must be created to allow them to thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully?”, she asked.
“[Constitution] must protect the rights to education, employment, political participation, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly for our youth,” she explained.
Besides, the Minister stated that it must also provide the legal foundation to fight inequality, tribalism, gender discrimination, and marginalization.
“Let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to protect, promote, and prioritize the rights and freedoms of the youth, not as a favour, but as a constitutional and moral obligation”, she stressed.
Meanwhile, the minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Aya Benjamin Libo, pledged her commitment to ensure youth voices and roles are taken care of in society.
“As a Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, I’m profoundly committed to fostering a society where youth voices are heard, rights are protected, and active civic participation is ingrained in our national fabric”, she highlighted.
Aya underlined that the Youth Constitutional Chapter, born out of extensive civic education and public consultations, embodies “our collective commitment to ensuring that young people are active participants in shaping their future”
“It is a testament to our collective recognition that youth or young people are not just future leaders, but vital stakeholders today”, she added.
Benjamin called on the stakeholders to prioritize civic education and public consultation on youth issues.
“I therefore call upon all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and youth leaders to prioritize civic education and foster meaningful public consultations”, she emphasized.
She also underlined that through collective efforts, people can realise the full potential of the youth and build a society that upholds their rights, recognizes their contributions, and empower them to shape the nation.