The fragility of civic Space in South Sudan in the year of its first elections since independence A 'Learning from Human Rights Defenders' Spring Talk

Talk
  • Date and time: Tuesday 13 February 2024, 1pm
  • Location: In-person only
    YH/001b, Research Centre for Social Sciences
  • Admission: Free admission, booking not required

Event details

South Sudan is getting ready for its first elections since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Having grappled with two momentous civil wars in 2013 and 2016, South Sudan has had its human rights position questioned after these conflicts.

Its response to human rights violations has been in question; this can be seen in the second UPR recommendations received in 2022. Of the 87 total submissions, half of them recommended the government of South Sudan ensure the upholding of civil liberties while reducing enforced disappearances, illegal detentions and the harassment of human rights defenders (HRDs) and journalists.

The year 2023 recorded a number of attacks on HRDs, activists and journalists, capturing the attention of the global community.  

After presenting the current context in South Sudan, Ador Akoy will share the work that is being done to claim back civic space in the country. He will highlight what the international community can do to assist with this claiming back of civic space in South Sudan.

About the speaker

Ador Akoy

Ador Akoy, is a human rights youth and peace activist from South Sudan. He works as the Protection Officer with the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, which has a mandate to protect human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers.

Ador is currently a Fellow on CAHR’s Protective Fellowship Scheme.