In South Sudan, a government bill that would give their National Security Services (NSS) broad powers and significant authority over the civilian population is rapidly moving forward toward President Salva Kiir's desk. This National Security Service Bill provides this government body with the ability to arrest and detain suspects, monitor communications systems, conduct unwarranted searches, and seize property without sufficient oversight or safeguards against abuse.
The Enough Project, along with Amnesty International, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Human Rights Watch, South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA), and Redress Trust have submitted comments on the draft of the bill, highlighting major concerns. In these comments, we call on members of Parliament to vote against the bill during the final reading and to make further amendments to bring it in line with South Sudan's constitution and regional and international human rights obligations. Finally, if the legislature votes to pass the Bill, President Kiir should return the Bill for further consideration along various points.