UN Commission Report Tasks South Sudan Leaders with Ending Impunity and Violence
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has released a report indicating that the country’s leadership must confront impunity and corruption to prevent further human rights abuses that threaten political stability. The report details ongoing violence, particularly in Tambura, and critiques recent legal measures that undermine justice. The Commissioners emphasized the urgent need for institutional reforms and international support to ensure equitable progress and peace.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has released a report emphasizing the urgent need for the country’s political leaders to tackle impunity and corruption that contribute to severe human rights violations. This necessity threatens to derail South Sudan’s political transition. Chairperson Yasmin Sooka expressed deep concern over the ongoing violent political conflicts, stating that leaders have continuously failed to protect civilians despite their commitments to peace.
The report outlines findings based on the Commission’s investigations in 2024, revealing a disturbing continuation of violence and instability perpetrated by political and military elites. The situation in Tambura is notably severe, with armed groups targeting civilians along ethnic lines, exacerbating existing divisions from prior conflicts. Many implicated leaders retain their positions without facing accountability for their actions.
Commissioner Barney Afako articulated that the persistent human rights violations are linked to widespread impunity and governance failures, highlighting the need for institutional reforms outlined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement. He underscored the importance of utilizing the newly extended two-year political arrangement to implement crucial elements of the agreement, including drafting a permanent constitution for sustainable peace.
The Commission’s report notes that despite substantial government revenue from oil, essential services, including courts and healthcare, remain severely underfunded. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández emphasized the necessity to eradicate systemic corruption, stating that the misappropriation of national wealth deprives citizens of justice and essential services, hindering any meaningful progress towards peace.
Additionally, the report criticizes the introduction of the “Green Book” law in 2024, which endorses extrajudicial killings, contributing to a culture of lawlessness. The ongoing application of this law not only threatens community relations but also undermines judicial functions in Warrap, where insufficient funding hampers justice for victims of human rights violations. The Commission called for immediate repeal of the Green Book and highlighted the urgent need to support Warrap’s judiciary.
During a recent visit, the Commissioners engaged with survivors of human rights abuses, reinforcing concerns over the regime’s lack of political will to address systemic violations. Chairperson Sooka reiterated the broader implications of neglected institutions for the country’s stability, underscoring a call to action among civil society and international partners to rectify these egregious issues.
The UN Commission’s report serves as a grave indictment of South Sudan’s political leadership, urging immediate action to combat impunity and restore essential services. The findings highlight persistent human rights violations, the failure to implement peace agreements, and the need for structural reforms to ensure accountability. The international community’s support is crucial for fostering a sustainable transition to peace and justice in South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
