The escalating security and rights crisis in South Sudan has prompted a stark warning from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Since February, the resurgence of hostilities has not only deepened the humanitarian crisis but also exacerbated regional tensions. Currently, the conflict between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), including their affiliated armed groups, shows no signs of abating. In the recent weeks alone, at least 75 civilians have been killed and 78 injured, displacing thousands more from their homes, according to Türk’s statement.
Türk emphasizes that this uptick in violence poses a significant threat to human rights and deepens the existing humanitarian woes. He urges all parties to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement, which was designed to end years of civil strife and lay the groundwork for a transitional unity government. Alongside the violence, the UN drew attention to the arbitrary arrest of at least 55 high-ranking SPLM-IO officials, demanding their immediate and unconditional release and calling for the UN Mission in South Sudan to access National Security Service detention facilities to ascertain detainees’ conditions.
Meanwhile, OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango urged South Sudanese authorities to combat the rising tide of hate speech, which has been fueled by increasing political and military tensions. The situation remains precarious, as South Sudan’s recent turmoil follows a fragile peace process that sought to resolve conflicts dating back to 2013. Despite forming a unity government, tensions between opposing factions remain, hindering the implementation of key agreement points.
The UN and various human rights groups urge respect for international humanitarian law, civilian protection, and unrestricted humanitarian access. With the onset of the rainy season and existing food insecurity issues, humanitarian agencies warn that additional disruptions could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences. The complete coverage of the UN’s statement and the ongoing situation in South Sudan can be found on JURIST.