22/09/2025
On September 18th 2025, Civil Society Organizations under the Child Rights Coalition convened a Pre-Budget Dialogue with Parliamentarians under the theme:
“From Commitments to Action: Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight on Food Security, Nutrition, and WASH through Accountable Budgeting in FY 2025/26.”
The dialogue provided a platform for CSOs to present their position paper on government budget commitments, highlight gaps, and push for stronger allocations to food security, nutrition, and WASH.
Hon. Dr. Ghada James Killa, Chairperson of the Standing Specialized Committee on Agriculture and Food Security at TNLA, emphasized the urgency of parliamentary engagement on food security and nutrition as well as WASH budget, stating:
“As we are deliberating today on this budget for food security and nutrition, it is important for us parliamentarians to engage on this issue so that we allocate a budget that really can suit food security and nutrition. Meaning of food security and nutrition is actually for the entire citizens of this country---at all times they are supposed to get safe, healthier, nutritious, available. So these foods should be access full with nutrition. Nutritious food as we know is very important for our citizens because we have children and this is their right”
This commitment from Parliament demonstrates the growing recognition that food security, nutrition, and WASH are not optional—they are rights that must be protected through accountable budgeting.
As CSOs, we stand united in ensuring that FY 2025/26 moves from commitments to action for the wellbeing of children and all citizens of South Sudan with support of the parliamentarians.
Key Resolutions from the Engagement
Parliamentarians adopted CSO budget recommendations, including:
10% allocation to agriculture in line with the Malabo Declaration.
15% allocation to health as per the Abuja Declaration.
1% allocation to the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare to support children, women, and persons with disabilities.
Reduction of medical referral costs from $200 to SSP 15,000–30,000.
Commitment to adequate health budget allocations to ensure 72 hours of free emergency medical treatment in public health facilities, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Government to prioritize investment in WASH sector such as connection of water pipes, drilling of boreholes, construction of public toilets in urban centers, highways, and villages to combat open defecation.