South Sudan’s Justice Minister Minister Reuben Madol Arol on Monday tabled the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 20216 (amendment) Bill, 2024 after being approved by the Council of Ministers.
Speaking during the presentation in the House, Arol said the Bill conforms to the 2016 NGO Act, the Revitalized Peace Agreement and creates an enabling environment for the NGOs in South Sudan to match the international best practices.
“The purpose of this Bill is to amend the NGO Act, 2016, to conform to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and the constitution,” he said.
“The amendments also mandate the Commission to regulate operations of NGO in accordance with the law. The amendment sections further provide for principles and objectives to be observed by the NGOs in conducting their activities,” the Minister explained.
He said the Amendment Bill was drafted in accordance with Article 3.1.2.5 of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and Schedule A, paragraph 51 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011, as amended, (3:15) which confer on the National Government the authority to regulate NGOs.
Arol said his ministry had added new sections to strengthen the Bill to meet the international best practices.
The Bill promotes the hiring of at least 35% women at all levels and it further says 80% of South Sudanese are to be employed in NGOs at all managerial, middle and junior levels.
It also states that employers should engage foreigners only if there are no qualified South Sudanese.
House Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba will now send the Bill to the various committees.
“In accordance with Regulation 1 or 8-1 of the 10-layer conduct of business regulations 2011, amendment 2021, I hereby commit this Bill entitled Non-Governmental Organization Act 2016, Amendment Bill 2024, to the standing specialized committees of human rights and humanitarian affairs (0:22) and legislation against these committees, and report back within 14 days.”