(JUBA) – Youth leaders in South Sudan have called on the government to accelerate the approval of crucial youth empowerment policies and bills that have remained stalled in parliament and the Ministry of Justice.
During the International Youth Day celebrations in Juba, National Youth Union President Taban Paride highlighted that the National Youth Development Policy, the Students Support Fund Bill and the Enterprise Development Fund Bill have yet to be approved despite repeated discussions.
“These are bills that will help the young people of this country,” Paride said. “They are not for me or the Union. They have been delayed for too long.”
Mario Velvour Gunda, Director General for Youth at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, clarified that the ministry is not responsible for the delays. However, he acknowledged that the absence of approved policies has restricted access to funding from international partners.
“Without policy, you cannot solicit any funding or programmes,” Gunda said.
He urged youth groups and partners to join efforts in pressing parliament to pass the youth development policy, arguing that collective action would show urgency and commitment.
A breakdown of the key pending initiatives:
| Policy / Bill | Purpose | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Youth Development Policy | Provides framework for youth programmes | Pending | Limits access to international funding |
| Students Support Fund Bill | Financial support for students | Pending | Delays student scholarships and grants |
| Enterprise Development Fund Bill | Promotes youth entrepreneurship | Pending | Restricts small business funding |
Youth leaders warn that continued delays may limit opportunities for young people and hinder broader economic and social development across South Sudan.
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