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The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption and persistent impunity continue to put the population and the planned transition to democracy at risk.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the four-day visit, the Commission met a wide range of representatives from the Government, the political and security sectors, civil society and other stakeholders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They called for the authorities to take urgent steps to protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of elections scheduled for December.\u00a0<\/p>\n
South Sudan is the world\u2019s youngest country having gained independence from Sudan in July 2011. Civil war erupted less than three years later, triggered by the power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Fighting continues despite a 2018 peace agreement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Commission Chair, Yasmin Sooka, travelled to Jonglei state and met survivors of recent fighting in the north there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She heard harrowing accounts of sexual violence, killings, displacement and separation from family members. Some survivors also described being left without access to medical, psychosocial or other essential support, including those facing serious and urgent health needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cVisit after visit, we continue to hear from people who bear the consequences of violence, displacement, insecurity and the failures of those with political and security responsibilities to prevent and address those harms<\/strong>,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe patterns have changed little, while the human cost continues to grow. South Sudanese people deserve better than to have their lives shaped by recurring cycles of violence and uncertainty<\/strong>.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The Commission voiced concern over killings, displacement, civilian attacks, disruption of humanitarian operations and growing insecurity for aid workers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Members noted that at a time of immense humanitarian needs, amid ongoing funding shortfalls, support for humanitarian operations and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is critical.\u00a0<\/p>\n They expressed alarm over a recent attack on an UNMISS patrol in Jonglei which killed two peacekeepers and left others injured, calling for an investigation and for those responsible to be held to account.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nHumanitarian concerns mount<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n