the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk. Because of its diversity, according to scholar Jok Madut Jok, “insecurity that adopts ethnic fault lines is likely to lead to erosion of the kind of political unity that had been sustained by liberation wars and opposition to north Sudan.” Ethnic violence has engulfed much of South Sudan and has undermined attempts at creating ethnic cohesion. It also reinforces poverty and strains ethnic relations, “leading to ethnic-based competition over limited resources and political offices.” Ethnic rivalries make development almost impossible due to the insecurity and violence it promotes. The domestic law of South Sudan forbids hate speech and punishes incitement to violence with 1 to 20 years of imprisonment. However, hate speech against ethnic minorities in South Sudan has continued to be practiced. A UNMISS report states that “[widespread] stereotyping, the creation and use of ‘enemy’ images, [and] hate speech amounting to incitement to violence have also exacerbated the conflicts.” These messages include proposals of wiping out communities and removing ethnic groups from their lands. Religious minority rights The Constitution of South Sudan declares the separation of religion and state and prohibits religious discrimination. It states that “[all] religions shall be treated equally, and religion of religious beliefs shall not be used for divisive purposes. The majority of the South Sudanese population is Christian, and there is also a sizeable Muslim minority. In the past few years, the Central Equatoria State government destroyed three mosques on government land. The South Sudan Islamic Council worked with the executive office and state government to discuss compensation for the mosques that were destroyed. Religious leaders from both the Christian and Muslim religions frequently discuss the appropriate representation of religion in the government. Leaders from all major religious groups in South Sudan are present at ceremonial public events, like the opening of the National Assembly and Independence Day celebrations. Public primary schools in South Sudan have a mandatory religious education course, and students can choose between a Christian and an Islamic religion course. International law framework The Republic of South Sudan voluntary pledged in October 2013 for candidature to the Human Rights Council. It stated that its interest in joining the Human Rights Council stemmed from “its desire both to contribute to the promotion of human rights, based on the principles that inspired its liberation struggle, and to take advantage of its membership to enhance its knowledge of international