By Alan Clement
Abyei’s Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, Aluel Minyiel Rou, has pledged her Ministry’s full support to bolster human rights advocacy in the Abyei Special Administration area.
In a statement, the minister made the pledge during a meeting with a delegation led by Acting Chairperson Monychol Malual Kout and members of the association’s executive board which focused on advancing human rights education and policies in the area.
Minister Rou emphasized that her ministry remains committed to advancing societal welfare through rights-based education and policy reform. “We recognize the vital role civil society plays in protecting and promoting human dignity. Our doors are open to partnerships that empower communities and strengthen human rights frameworks,” she stated in a statement.
During the engagement held in her office, the group briefed the minister on the association’s renewed activities and its intent to formalize operations through closer collaboration with the area’s leadership.
The leadership of the Human Rights Association, established in 2006 but forced into inactivity during years of conflict, resumed its operations in 2024 expressed a strong desire to formally brief Chief Administrator Justice Charles Abyei Jok on their activities and explore ways of partnering with the local administration.
Minister Rou welcomed the initiative and assured that them she would facilitate the audience with the Chief Administrator describing the association’s work as “a service to humanity that deserves institutional support.”
“The essence of this association is to serve humanity, and my ministry is ready to collaborate with you to ensure human rights are promoted and protected,” she said.
The revival of the association marks a renewed push for civic engagement and rights awareness in a region long affected by instability with the association reaffirming its commitment to rebuilding its presence in Abyei and contributing to the area’s stability and social welfare through rights-based advocacy.