FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
UNMISS SRSG HILDE JOHNSON WELCOMES THE COMMITMENT OF SOUTH SUDAN’S GOVERNMENT TO JOIN THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE
The United Nations Missions in the Republic of South Sudan welcomes the commitment of the government to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. This step is one of the important measures to improve governance announced by the government during the International Engagement Conference in Washington, D.C.
The government has also announced a presidential decree which will oblige public officials to declare their assets and prohibit their involvement in private business while in office. These initiatives build on the five anti-corruption commitments made by the president after the formation of the Republic's first government in September 2011.
"At the Washington Conference, the government has underlined its strong commitment to fight corruption and rapidly build institutions. These are bold decisive steps that will put the government on the right footing and attract investors," said Hilde F. Johnson, Special Representative of the Secretary General, who today is moderating a session on international engagement in South Sudan in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Johnson underlined the importance of international support for the world's newest country.
"The South Sudanese have struggled for years to win their freedom. The key now is to provide the dividends of peace to the population. This involves expanding the economy, helping children to attend school, building roads, and improving health care. Conferences like the one being held in Washington help to consolidate necessary international support."
Contact:
OJJA Bosco,
Public Information Assistant,
Media Relations Unit, Office of the Spokesperson,
UNMISS Department of Communications & Public Information Office,
Ext. 2124
+211 (0) 187082124
Cell Phone: +211 (0) 955157010
E-mail: boscoo@un.org
ojjabosco@yahoo.com