Authorities in Rumbek municipality in Lakes State have issued an order banning the sale of skin bleaching products in Rumbek Market and traders have been given seven days to clear their stock.
In an order obtained by Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, the Rumbek acting Mayor, Mr. Luka Abuk Dut Yuol said, "in accordance with Local Government Act 2009 Article 40 subsection (1). I, Hon. Luka Abuk Dut Yuol acting Mayor of Rumbek municipality do hereby issue this local order prohibiting the selling of 'skin's bleaching creams' in Rumbek market."
Dut warned all traders selling skin bleaching creams in the Rumbek market to heed the order or face the law. He said offenders will pay a fine of 5,000 SSP in addition to prison terms.
“This local order must get into immediate effect from 6th October 2021," he added.
Halaul Chuot, a woman representative in Rumbek has condemned the order saying women have the right to decide whether or not to use skin bleaching creams.
"Skin bleaching using body creams is a personal choice for ladies beautification," she said. "This is an interference with other ladies' freedom of choice to use cosmetics bleaching skins which are being used all over the world."
Chuot added that the ban will affect many traders and women who use the products.
South Sudan authorities banned dangerous skin lightening and bleaching creams in 2019 because of health concerns.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dangerous skin bleaching has become a public health crisis, with some African countries banning bleaching cosmetics.