SPARK IGNITE: Youth of South Sudan unite to shape State Constitution
*Written by Joyce Sebit – Youth Engagement Programme Assistant for SPARK’s Juba office, South Sudan
After emerging from decades of conflict South Sudan has put all its efforts and resources into nation building. Given that South Sudan is the youngest nation in the world, it is only fitting that the youth have united to actively participate in the process of drafting the country’s permanent constitution. In collaboration with SUTCO/YouthNow!, SPARK supported and facilitated the Constitutional Review Process Seminar of 2014. The seminar was a 2 day event (25-26 December) hosted by the SUDD institute in South Sudan and was attended by up to 120 young people from all over the country, including 14 international participants who were invited to join. SPARK coordinated with the Secretary General of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) to equip and familiarise the youth with necessary knowledge, skills and understanding of the constitutional development process.
The Constitutional Review Process Seminar 2014 created a space for the youth to share their views, opinions and concerns paving the way for them to be able to contribute and pursue their own interests and needs to be included in the final draft of the constitution. The opportunity to actively participate in and shape the permanent constitution of South Sudan is significant in that it mobilises and empowers the youth to improve their own socio-economic standing. It also creates a platform for young members of South Sudanese society to express and achieve their agendas, conduct political campaigns during elections and most importantly allows for their active political participation overall.
During the Seminar, 12 members were elected to be part of the Youth Committee that will continue to work hand in hand with the NCRC to represent the interests of the South Sudanese youth. The position of the youth reflects hopes to unite and instill peace and harmony in their communities. Since gaining independence in 2011, unfortunately conflict erupted again in December 2013 between warring parties President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. This 15-month conflict has led South Sudan down a familiar path of internal conflict. Despite being on the brink of civil war, the Constitutional Review Process continues and the youth of South Sudan are determined to promote peace in their country. The Youth Committee was designed to further pursue the progression of the youth issues agreed upon during the seminar. This seminar serves as a vital first step towards the youth becoming key players in the political arena. It has given them the tools and confidence to participate more in leadership and decision-making in the future. SPARK is optimistic that the youth involved in the review Youth Committee will be able to voice and raise their concerns and views as well as contribute to the final draft of the permanent constitution of South Sudan.
SPARK IGNITE is SPARK’s blog of stories, updates and opinions by SPARK staff, on relevant topics in the news, stories from the fields, and what inspire us to do what we do. We welcome external contributions; to contribute please contact media[at]spark-online.org.
Related news
-
Event
International Women’s Day: Invest in Women
-
News
In conversation with: Audrey Pascale Nisabwe, filmmaker and Founder of MARK IT
On International Women’s Day, filmmaker and director, Audrey, discusses the making of SPARK’s Follow the Fish film, being a woman…
-
News
The Skills Training and Education Programme: Supporting youth to have economic impact in Lebanon and Jordan
-
Report
Impact Report: Positive increase in youth and women employment, reduction in desire to migrate
The International Security and Development Center conducted an Impact Assessment of one of SPARK’s programmes (LEAD 2) in Tunisia and…
-
News
Sustainable localization: Burundi’s Fish Centre handed over to National Fish Federation
-
News
SPARK in 2023
In 2023, youth faced many protracted challenges, as well as new crises: from the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, to…
-
News
Meet SPARK’s new Board of Directors
-
News
Global Refugee Forum 2023: It’s time for bold steps on economic inclusion for refugees
The landscape for refugees has changed dramatically in the four years since the last Global Refugee Forum. At the start…
-
News
November at SPARK
Updates from SPARK’s activities for the month of November 2023.
-
Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023
-
October at SPARK
-
2022 Annual Report
-
Modernising the fishing sector around Lake Tanganyika, Burundi