By Taban Gabriel
King News 10th September 2024 – The Minister of Justice, Ruben Madol Arol Kachuol has on Monday presented to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) the amended Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Act 2016, amended 2024 for its first reading.
Chapter 6, sections 32 to 36 of the bill requires NGOs to promote hiring “of at least 35% women representation at all managerial, middle and junior levels”
The section also discourages NGOs from discriminating against individuals based on their race, nationality, and political or religious affiliations.
“Right, Honorable Speaker, deputies, and honorable members of the August House allow me to present to you the amendment bill title, the non-government Organizations Act 2016 amendment bill 2024 for competence and appropriate actions,” Minister Madol read.
“Background: Article 1.18.6 and 3.1.2.5 of the revitalized agreement peace agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan 2018 mandates the Revitalize Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to review the act to comply with the agreement, the constitution and International best practices in regulating the activities of the non-government organizations in South Sudan”.
According to the document, the amended bill added two new chapters and 16 sections to the 2016 act.
Chapter one (1) of the added article calls for an enhanced definition of “NGOs to conform with the provisions of the revitalized Peace Agreement, the constitution, and International best practices.”
Chapter (2) two talks about the principles and objectives of non-governmental organizations.
After thoroughly listening to the reading, the speaker of parliament, Jemma Nunu Kumba, committed the NGO bill to the Standing Specialized Committee for Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs, and Legislative Justice committees to scrutinize it and revert to the August House in 14 days.
The Wednesday sitting was attended by 390 Members of Parliament.