On 10 December, the European Union Delegation organised Human Rights Day at the University of Juba, under the theme: 'The universality and indivisibility of Human Rights'. The event was well attended by media, civil society and students as well as the Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny who pledged to respect freedom of media and protect journalists from unfair treatment by state authorities.

EUDSSD

Ambassador Pelle Enarson called universality the basis for peace and prosperity and underlined that human rights apply everywhere and every time, also at wartimes. They are not waived by conflicts. Human Rights being universal, he said, they are of universal concern and no longer of internal concern only. Any country can refer to them in relation to any other country.

Minister Ateny said that the government is committed to strengthening human rights and protecting journalists as the country prepares for elections. He also reiterated his pledge to ensure that no journalist suffers unfair treatment at the hands of state authorities. However, he also cautioned against combining professional journalism with activism.

EUDSSD

"Please differentiate between activism and professional journalism. They are not the same. If you put information in the media that you have not verified from the other stakeholders involved, you break the law," Hon. Ateny said.

The minister confirmed that only one journalist, Christopher Michael, is currently in detention, adding that he is working towards securing his release.

Human Rights are the responsibility of all, the Government, but also civil society, the media and the public at large.

The official opening of the event was followed by poems (a popular form of social-political expression) performed by Beatrice Dwoki and Susan Akoth and a musical interlude as well as a panel discussion. The panel featured Patrick Oyet, Chairperson of the Union of Journalists, Joseph Omara, a Coordinator of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders' Network and youth activist Anna Maneno.

EUDSSD

The discussion reflected on the meaning of universality of Human Rights and emphasised the importance for citizens to know and demand their rights. In South Sudan human rights conventions, once ratified, become automatically part of domestic law. There was agreement that every day should be Human Rights Day as Human Rights concern all of us.

EUD