The National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) has commenced a three-day orientation to prepare its Secretariat for public awareness and consultations, integral to South Sudan’s constitution-making process.
This training, in collaboration with the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) and UN Women, aims to empower teams to engage with communities and gather citizens’ opinions, which will guide the drafting of the new constitution.
Patrick Oyet, Head of the Civic Education and Public Consultation Committee, stated that this briefing marks the final step before deployment.
“We are providing a last briefing to our members before they travel to the four selected states to collect data for the Constitution’s drafting,” Oyet explained.
He noted that consultations will eventually extend beyond the initial four states: Eastern Equatoria, Lakes, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
“We aim to reach every county and administrative area in South Sudan, ensuring that the new Constitution reflects the will of the people,” he added.
Jackline Nasiwa, Executive Director of CIGPJ, highlighted the training’s purpose.
“This refresher ensures uniform messaging among Commissioners and prepares them for their roles,” Nasiwa said.
The three-day program will equip Commissioners with essential tools and methodologies for effective public engagement, including a civic education manual, consultation toolkit, and reporting templates, along with simulation exercises to tackle potential challenges.
The NCRC reaffirmed that data gathered from citizens will serve as the foundation for crafting a permanent, people-driven constitution for South Sudan.
NCRC initiates nationwide awareness on constitution making process
By Deborah Akur Chol
