The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is urging President Salva Kiir to send proposed security law amendments back to parliament for review. The Commission expressed concerns that the National Security Service Act (Amendment) Bill recently passed by legislators could lead to increased arbitrary detention and repression by the NSS.
Chairperson Yasmin Sooka emphasized the importance of aligning the Bill with South Sudan’s human rights obligations to prevent violations endorsed by the government and legislators. The Commission has previously reported on human rights abuses by the NSS, including illegal detentions without oversight and renditions of political opponents.
Rights Commissioner Barney Afako highlighted the need for citizens to freely exercise their civil and political rights without fear of reprisals. The amendments were intended to open up civic space but may have the opposite effect if implemented in their current form.
The NSS Act grants broad powers to arrest and detain individuals without warrants, leading to many being held for legitimate activities. South Sudan’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2024 underscores the need to address arbitrary arrests and ensure prompt judicial oversight.
The process of amending the NSS Act has faced delays due to disagreements over arrest powers. Despite previous agreements to remove these powers, the Amendment Bill retained them, prompting the Commission’s call for revision within 30 days.