Kiir forms national human rights council

JUBA – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has formed a national human rights council with membership from various ministries such as interior, foreign affairs and defense.

In a decree read out on the state-own South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir said the council will be responsible for advocacy and promotion of human rights across the world’s youngest country.

The council will comprise ministers of foreign affairs and international cooperation, defense and veteran affairs, interior, justice, gender, child and social welfare as well as the child protection unit.

The state broadcaster said the council will be chaired by the minister of justice and constitutional affairs and will be strengthening public outreach advocacy and promotion of human rights within the country.

The decree further added the council shall be answerable to the president and all its activities and progress reports shall be submitted to the office of the president.