Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights sets out the fundamental guarantees that protect every person and every Nation of South Sudan. It defines the limits of power, the duties of public authorities, and the rights that no government, armed group, or individual may violate.

These rights are not promises made by leaders. They are binding guarantees that belong to the people by virtue of their humanity and citizenship. They apply at all times, including during conflict, transition, and emergency.

Adopted as part of South Sudan’s constitutional order, the Bill of Rights binds all state institutions, security forces, transitional authorities, and any body exercising power. It affirms civilian supremacy, equality of the 64 Nations, and the protection of human dignity without exception.

The Bill of Rights is designed to be enforceable. It establishes clear standards, non-derogable rights, independent oversight, and accountability for violations. It incorporates international human rights and humanitarian law while addressing the specific realities of South Sudan, including ancestral land protection, displacement, environmental justice, digital rights, and the rights of the diaspora and future generations.

This section contains two complementary parts:

The Bill of Rights of South Sudan

The full constitutional text, setting out each right and obligation in clear and binding articles. This document is intended as a permanent legal reference for citizens, institutions, courts, and international partners.

What the Bill of Rights Means for You

A plain-language explanation of how these rights protect individuals, families, communities, and Nations in everyday life, and how they change the relationship between citizens and power.

Together, these texts form a single framework. One defines the law. The other explains its impact.

We invite you to read both.

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• Read the Bill of Rights of South Sudan

• What the Bill of Rights Means for You