South Sudan's Ministry of Interior has initiated a comprehensive assessment of the Commission for Refugee Affairs. Caretaker Minister Rizik Zachariah Hassan announced the review during an official visit to the commission, aiming to evaluate its policies, legal framework, workforce, infrastructure, and programs. This proactive approach allows the ministry to directly assess institutions under its purview, rather than relying solely on reports. The review aims to identify areas requiring government attention and improve the management of refugee-related issues.
The review will focus on the commission's policies and policy framework, particularly concerning refugee management. Hassan emphasized the need to examine the policies, strategies, and potential gaps in managing refugee issues. The assessment will also cover the legal and regulatory framework governing refugee affairs, including national laws, regulations, and international conventions. This examination will help determine if there are any gaps in adhering to these laws and regulations.
Minister Hassan also called for an evaluation of the commission's workforce, including its size, structure, and staffing situation. The report submitted to the ministry should provide clear details on the workforce that supports and operates within the refugee affairs domain. This includes information on classified and unclassified leadership, executive, and supporting staff. Understanding the workforce is crucial in identifying areas that require intervention.
The infrastructure, activities, and programs implemented for refugees will also be examined. Hassan stressed the importance of identifying the achievements and contributions of humanitarian partners and the government's responsibilities in supporting refugees. The government must develop clear programs and activities to acknowledge the presence of refugees, rather than solely depending on partners. Financial constraints and institutional challenges must also be identified to enable the ministry and its partners to determine areas requiring intervention.
The commission is expected to submit a comprehensive report outlining the issues raised during Hassan's visit. The report will help the ministry and its partners identify areas that require attention and intervention. The assessment is a crucial step towards improving the management of refugee-related issues in South Sudan.
UNHCR representative Matthew Brook commended South Sudan for its continued hospitality towards refugees despite economic and humanitarian challenges. Brook noted that the country's open-door policy has provided a safe haven for people fleeing conflict and persecution. South Sudan currently hosts over 660,000 refugees and asylum seekers, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation among the government and humanitarian partners.
Brook also advocated for a shift from humanitarian dependency towards greater self-reliance and resilience among refugees, South Sudanese returnees, and internally displaced people. The review of the Refugee Affairs Commission's policies, workforce, and programs is a step towards achieving this goal. The assessment will help identify areas that require attention and intervention, ultimately improving the management of refugee-related issues in South Sudan.
Key points
- The review of the Refugee Affairs Commission's policies, workforce, and programs aims to improve the management of refugee-related issues in South Sudan.
- The assessment will examine the commission's policies, legal framework, workforce, infrastructure, and programs.
- South Sudan currently hosts over 660,000 refugees and asylum seekers, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation among the government and humanitarian partners.
