Edmund Yakani, a south Sudanese civil society leader has been awarded the Civil Rights Defender of the year award. Yakani, who is the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, was on Friday awarded the Civil Rights Defenders, according to a statement from his organization.

 “Edmund Yakani has on a countless number of occasions, demonstrated his commitment in promoting genuine dialogue and efforts among social and political actors. He is active in calling for a greater inclusion of civil society in the peace talks. His contribution in promoting human rights and its defenders has been of paramount importance, in particular as he is working in the context of weak institutions and ongoing conflict. I am proud to announce him as this year’s recipient of the Civil Rights Defender of the Year Award.”

Edmund Yakani told the Civil Right Defenders that his award symbolised motivation and recognition of the efforts and hard work to protect human rights defenders in South Sudan. He called for more efforts to engage in further protection for human rights defenders and their families