UN Rights Chief Urges South Sudan Warring Parties to Cease Hostilities
The UN has warned of a worsening human rights situation in South Sudan amid escalating violence and arbitrary detentions. At least 75 civilians have died, and thousands displaced due to hostilities between the national army and SPLA-IO. Calls for adherence to a 2018 peace agreement and immediate action against hate speech have been made by UN officials.
On Friday, the United Nations issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating human rights conditions in South Sudan. This announcement follows an alarming rise in violence, arbitrary arrests, and hate speech that has been notable since February. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that at least 75 civilians have lost their lives in recent clashes between the national army (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), a political entity and militia aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. Additionally, thousands of individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Civil strife has plagued South Sudan since 2013, originating from a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his rival Mr. Machar. Although a fragile peace accord was put in place in 2018 aiming for a power-sharing solution, the recent surge in hostilities raises serious concerns. “These escalating hostilities portend a real risk of further exacerbating the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation,” stated Volker Türk, head of the OHCHR, who is calling for all factions involved to “urgently pull back from the brink.”
The current wave of violence began in February when a militia group known as the White Army launched attacks in Upper Nile State. Tensions spiked further between May 3 and May 20, as the SSPDF carried out indiscriminate aerial bombardments and offensives targeting SPLA-IO positions in both Jonglei and Upper Nile states. As a direct result of these military actions, civilian displacements surged again on May 21 due to a counter-offensive by SPLA-IO and its allies in Jonglei State.
As part of his appeal, Türk emphasized the need for the warring factions to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement, insisting they must “ensure the protection of civilians and civilian objects” while also facilitating humanitarian access according to international law.
The issue of arbitrary detention appears to be another pressing concern. Between March 5 and March 26, at least 55 high-ranking officials connected with the SPLM-In Opposition were arrested across the nation. This group included prominent figures such as South Sudan’s first vice president, ministers, members of parliament, and several military officers. Mr. Türk expressed distress regarding the nature of these arrests, categorizing many as arbitrary, conducted without the proper legal protocols.
In light of these developments, Türk has called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained without due process and encouraged authorities to allow access for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to evaluate the conditions of detainees held by the National Security Service. He further urged for proactive measures to comprehensively combat the spread of hate speech in South Sudan.
Overall, the current situation in South Sudan demands urgent attention from both local authorities and international entities in order to prevent escalating violence and protect civilian lives.
In conclusion, the United Nations has issued grave warnings about the worsening human rights crisis in South Sudan, highlighting a surge in violence and arbitrary detentions. With thousands displaced and civilians caught in the crossfire of ongoing hostilities, immediate action is needed. UN officials have urged all parties to reclaim commitments to the 2018 peace agreement and take decisive steps to alleviate rising tensions and protect civilians, as well as to combat hate speech effectively. Ultimately, the stability of South Sudan remains precarious, requiring a concerted international effort to drive a return to peace and security.
Original Source: news.un.org
