South Sudan’s Human Rights Defenders Network has launched an independent initiative to monitor civic space, human rights and the electoral process ahead of general elections planned for December. The initiative follows a week-long learning and mentorship visit to Nairobi, where network delegates, working with the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, studied Kenya’s experience in election management, observation, civic participation, dispute resolution and the handling of election-related tensions. James Bidal, who led the delegation, said the visit reinforced the importance of protecting political rights before, during and after election day. It will also document allegations of intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrests, violence and other rights violations linked to the elections, including the conduct of security agencies, political parties and public authorities. It plans to publish periodic reports on electoral preparedness, civic space, political participation and human rights.