UN Commission Report: South Sudan Leaders Must Address Human Rights Violations
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has released a report condemning the country’s leaders for perpetuating violence, corruption, and human rights abuses. The report urges immediate action to address impunity and effectively utilize the country’s resources for rebuilding essential governance structures. Ongoing violations highlight a neglect of accountability and the urgent need for reform in the political and legal systems.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a report highlighting the role of the country’s political leaders in perpetuating violence and human rights violations. The report, presented to the UN Human Rights Council, urges leaders to confront corruption and impunity, warning that failure to do so endangers the fragile political transition in South Sudan. Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, criticized the ongoing violent contestations despite the country’s peace commitments and emphasized the dire circumstances faced by South Sudanese civilians.
Investigations conducted throughout 2024 reveal systemic human rights abuses, with ethnic violence documented in areas like Tambura. Public and military officials, many implicated in previous violations, maintain their positions without accountability, exacerbating the political instability. Commissioner Barney Afako noted that repeated violations are tied to a culture of impunity, underlining the necessity for accountable governance and the commitment to building credible institutions as outlined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The report further indicates the importance of utilizing the current two-year extension of the transitional arrangements, urging leaders to implement outstanding elements of the Revitalized Agreement. The Commission also pointed to significant government revenues, primarily from oil, which have not translated into public services, as courts and educational institutions remain neglected. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández stressed the need to eradicate corruption to ensure resources are allocated towards justice and essential services.
A particular concern raised by the Commission is the introduction of the “Green Book” law, which enables extrajudicial killings for certain offenses. This law fosters a culture of lawlessness and selectively targets specific groups, further complicating inter-communal relations. The Commissioners called for immediate repeal of this law and highlighted the urgent need for funding judicial services in Warrap, where inadequate support leaves victims without recourse to justice.
The Commission’s recent visit allowed them to meet with survivors of human rights abuses, reinforcing the message of widespread repression. The lack of political will among leaders to address ongoing human rights violations remains a significant concern, as essential institutions continue to suffer from government neglect. The Chairperson emphasized the critical need for accountability and the establishment of robust service structures to break the cycle of violence.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlights the urgent need for accountability among political leaders to address systemic violence and human rights abuses. The report stresses that corruption and impunity hinder South Sudan’s political transition, jeopardizing the future stability of the country. A coordinated effort is required to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement and ensure that resources are utilized effectively to serve the populace.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
