A human rights group, the Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) has condemned the decision by Jonglei state authorities to dissolve all youth associations in the state.

Jonglei State minister for youth, culture and Sports Dut Abraham Bol last Tuesday issued a decree dissolving all community-based youth associations operating in the state saying the groups bred hatred and division urging them to join the Jonglei State Youth Union (JSYU), a body within the state youth ministry.

In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, CPJ’s Executive Director Tito Anthony said, “The act itself is unlawful because it violates the freedom of association and assembly which is granted to any group by the supreme law which the constitution.”

The rights defender noted that dissolving and forming youth associations is the sole responsibility of the youth themselves and they should decide whether or not to form an umbrella body.

“I urge on the minister to reverse his decision dissolving the association and apologize for interrupting youth activities in the last eight days. I call on the Jonglei State governor to immediately intervene in case the minister is not reversing his decision,” partly read the statement.

The decree targeted all county-based, payam-based and boma-based youth associations in greater Duk, greater Twic East and greater Bor areas.