South Sudan 5th Spearkers's Forum. Resolutions and recommendations Written by The New Sudan Vision (NSV), newsudanvision.com
Sunday, 26 June 2011 00:33 (Juba NSV) - The Speakers’ Forum of Southern Sudan met from June 8th – 11th in Juba. It was the last before Independence. The Forum was facilitated by SSLA and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The New Sudan Vision is happy to share the following resolutions and recommendations of the forum with its esteemed readership: RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Cognizant of: Our struggle against oppression and marginalisation that led to the CPA; Our collective pride in the results of the referendum, which were overwhelmingly in favour of the secession of Southern Sudan, and the need therefore for a peaceful and orderly transition; Mindful of the external and internal challenges facing Southern Sudan; Recognising the important role of the legislature in governance; Thankful for the support provided by UNDP, IRI, NDI and SKILLS for Southern Sudan; Aware of the urgency to adopt a constitution that will guide us through the transitional period, The 5th Speakers’ Forum meeting was organized under the theme “Preparing for an effective, efficient and sovereign independent South Sudan.” The Forum commenced with remarks by the President H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit as chief guest, and the Chairman of the Forum Rt. Hon. Speaker of SSLA James Wani Igga and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs-GOSS H.E. Michaeil Makuei Lueth. The Forum was attended by Speakers of eleven Assemblies, their Deputies, Chairpersons of Legal and Legislative Affairs Specialized Committees in the Assemblies, and Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs of the ten States. The Forum passed the following resolutions and recommendations: RESOLUTIONS 1. The Constitution should be a tool for national healing, unity and reconciliation. 2. Constitution-making is a process, not an event, it requires active public involvement and participation. 3. The roles of the legislature – representation, legislation and oversight – are important components of the Constitution-making process. 4. The Republic of South Sudan (RoSS) to respect and protect human rights and embrace the rule of law. 5. The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) to adopt the Transitional Constitution with the recommended amendments herein. 6. RoSS to make Legislative Assemblies efficient and effective. RECOMMENDATIONS A. Constitution-making process 1. Urge the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to immediately establish the National Constitutional Review Commission upon the adoption of the Transitional Constitution and declaration of the birth of RoSS. 2. Proposed Amendments to the Transitional Constitution: a) Article 6 (3) The State shall promote the development of a Braille system and sign languages for the benefit of people with special needs. b) Article 58 (b) Each of the ten state assemblies shall elect three additional members to the Council of States and forward the same to the President for appointment. B. Relationships between SSLA, MPA-GOSS, SLAs and State MPAs: 1. MPA-GOSS a) MPA-GOSS to develop linkages between Assemblies and Development Partners for funding. b) MPA-GOSS to source and facilitate funding for external and internal exchange visits for MPs and their staff. c) MPA-GOSS to develop working guidelines between State Assemblies and State MPAs. 2. State MPAs a) Solicit funds from the central government and partners for the construction of MPA HQs in the States. 3. State MPAs and County Counsellors a) State MPAs to build the capacity of County Counsellors. b) In collaboration with State Ministries of Local Government State MPAs to develop a policy framework that is guided by the Local Government Act and the policy framework of MPA-GOSS. 4. General recommendations: a) MPA-GOSS to develop a model structure for State Assemblies. b) State MPAs to be accorded the same ministerial status as the other ministries in the State Executive Branch. c) The Minister of Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President to ensure that Governors of the States have easy access to the President. d) MPA-GOSS to facilitate and liaise meetings whenever requested of Assemblies leadership with GOSS leadership. C. Making RoSS Assemblies more effective and efficient PA-GOSS, State MPAs and State Assemblies to provide more training and capacity building for MPs and support staff. 2. GOSS should increase the grants to the states in order for assemblies’ budgets to finance the following: a. car loans to state MPs so as to resolve the issue of transport b. communication facilities to the ten State Assemblies, e.g., internet, VSAT, computers, etc. c. construction and furnishing of the ten Assemblies and libraries for the States 3. RoSS to provide joint training for both the State Executive and Legislature to enhance intergovernmental relations and linkages. 4. SSLA to initiate internal and external parliamentary exchange visit programmes for all assemblies of South Sudan. 5. MPA and SSLA to review and amend the 2010 Emoluments Act so as to increase salaries of State MPs. 6. Full implementation of the Local Government Act by all State Governments and formation of County Councils. 7. Establishment of Parliamentary Service Commissions to enhance and professionalize parliamentary services. 8. Enhance security of the State Assemblies through: a. training and equipping security personnel; and b. provision of security facilities 9. GOSS to pay unpaid post-service benefits of members of the 1st Assemblies. 10. GOSS to speed up the construction of inter-state roads. 11. SSLA to review and investigate the transfer of funds to States through line ministries for the last three years, and develop a monitoring and oversight mechanism. 12. GOSS to stop budgeting for line ministries in the States and provide such funds as grants, allowing states to create their own budgets and provide oversight thereof (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, Health, Education, Physical Infrastructure, etc.). D. Human Rights, Democracy and Security: Making The Link 1. Judges and attorneys should be trained to handle cases with ultimate professionalism. 2. Additional prisons to be built; men and women prisoners should be kept in separate prison facilities. 3. Provide accommodation for detained lactating mothers to care for their nursing children. 4. Develop and adopt legislations against cultural practices that are in violation of international human rights standards (e.g., forced marriage, payment in human capital). 5. RoSS to operate by the rule of law. 6. Preserve and protect a civic environment where civil society and political parties enjoy freedom of expression, opinion and political participation. 7. Enact a national electoral law. 8. Increase civic education programmes that promote democratic participation and reject tribalism. 9. The primary duty of RoSS public officials shall be to serve the people of South Sudan. 10. The following are recommendations concerning the Police and the National Army: a. Provide training and capacity building to the national Army and police service in order to develop professional corps that uphold the Constitution and protect the people of South Sudan. b. Develop and implement mechanisms that ensure: timely and regular salary payments to the Police and Army; and that salaries are sufficient to cover the cost of living. c. Military barracks to be established outside villages and urban areas. d. The Army should not conduct those duties reserved for the Police, such as arrest and search of persons and premises. 11. Perpetrators of human rights violations should be held accountable for their crimes and tried by competent courts. 12. National Security to be given priority in RoSS policies. 13. Establish joint police forces and joint courts that address inter-state border conflicts. 14. The Police should be of national character and police personnel should not only work in their localities or counties. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
