We need to provision the right of the citizen in stabilizing the nation
6 min readBy Daniel Machar Dhieu, Bor, South Sudan
February 9, 2016 (SSB) — Whether we are concerned with suffering born of poverty, with denial of freedom, with armed conflict in our nation, or with a reckless attitude to the natural environment everywhere, we should not view these events in isolation. Eventually their repercussions are felt by all of us. We, therefore, need effective directives from government authorities to address our national issues from the perspective of the oneness of humanity, and from a profound understanding of the deeply interconnected nature of today’s violence.
At birth, all tribes in this nation are naturally endowed with the qualities we need for our survival, such as caring, nurturing and loving kindness. However, despite already possessing such positive qualities, we tend to neglect some part of recognition. As a result, humanity faces unnecessary problems. What we need to do is to make more effort to sustain and develop these qualities. Therefore, the promotion of human values is of primary importance. We also need to focus on cultivating good citizen’s relations in the country, regardless of differences in tribal line, religious faith, believe, or whether people are rich or poor, educated or not, we are all human beings. When we are facing difficulties, we invariably meet someone, who may be a stranger, who immediately offers us help. We all depend on each other in difficult circumstances, and we do so unconditionally.
Today world (Our world) is increasingly interdependent, but I wonder if we truly understand that our interdependent human society in South Sudan has to be compassionate; compassionate in our choice of goals compassionate in our means of cooperation and our pursuit of these goals. The awesome power that economic institutions have acquired in our society, and the distressing effects that poverty continues to wreak, should make all of us look for means of transforming our economy into one based on compassion.
Wherever it occurs, poverty is a significant contributor to social disharmony, ill health, suffering and armed conflict. If we continue along our present path, the situation could become irreparable. This constantly increasing creates suffering for everyone in the country. Concerned not only for ourselves, our families, our community and country, we must also feel a responsibility for the individuals, communities and peoples who make up the human family as a whole. We require not only compassion for those who suffer, but also a commitment to ensuring social justice. If we are serious in our commitment to the fundamental principles of equality that I believe lie at the heart of the concept of human rights, today’s economic disparity can no longer be ignored. It is not enough merely to say that all citizen of this nation must enjoy equal dignity. This must be translated into action.
Today, the values of democracy, open society, respect for citizen rights, and equality are becoming recognized all over the nation as general values. To my mind there is an intimate connection between democratic values and the fundamental values of human goodness. Where there is democracy there is a greater possibility for the citizens of the country to express their basic human qualities, and where these basic human qualities prevail, there is also a greater scope for strengthening democracy. Most importantly, democracy is also the most effective basis for ensuring national peace. However, responsibility for working for peace lies not only with our leaders, but also with each of us individually. Peace starts within each one of us. When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighboring communities and so on. When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. We can work consciously to develop feelings of love and kindness. What is important is that we each make a sincere effort to take seriously our responsibility for each other and the nation in which we live.
Providing for equality under law, the independence states that everyone is entitled to equal rights and freedoms without discrimination of any kind. Peace and freedom cannot be ensured as long as rights of citizens are violated. Similarly, there cannot be peace and stability as long as there is oppression and suppression. It is unfair to seek one’s own interests at the cost of other people’s rights. Truth cannot shine if we fail to accept truth or consider it illegal to tell the truth. Where will the idea of truth and reality be if we push the truth and facts under the carpet and allow illegal actions to triumph? If we accept that others have an equal right to peace and happiness as ourselves, do we not have responsibility to help those in need? The aspiration for democracy and respect for their rights is as important to the people of this nation. But of course it is often those people who are deprived of their human rights who are least able to speak up for themselves. The responsibility rests with those of us who do enjoy such freedoms.
I believe that many of the violations of human rights in South Sudan are the result of suspicion, lack of trust and true understanding of South Sudanese culture and religion. As I have said many times in the past, it is extremely important for the South Sudanese leadership to come to a better and deeper understanding and appreciation of the South Sudanese through community’s leadership with cultural mandate and civilization of their youths. I absolutely support President Salva Kiir wise statement that we must “seek truth from facts.” Therefore, we South Sudanese must accept the progress and improvements that SPLM rule of South Sudan has brought to the South Sudanese people and acknowledge it. At the same time the rebel authorities must understand that the South Sudanese had undergone tremendous suffering and destruction during many years of struggle.
In my view we need to accept great and growing desire for change in the nation; change that ushers in a renewed commitment to ethical and spiritual values, that resolves conflicts peaceably, employing dialogue and non-violence, which upholds citizen rights and citizen dignity as well as citizen responsibility. We need change that educates and promotes the urgent need to care for the tribes living in South Sudan, that calls upon all states to work towards the common abolition of violence that lead to destruction and that encourages peace, compassion, respect and warm-heartedness. I believe that if we agree on this point then the number of crime will simply reduce.
The writer is the Student at South Sudan Christian University, Juba South Sudan. Contact him through email: machardhieu@gmail.com
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