In South Sudan, recent reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) have raised significant concerns about the conduct of security forces concerning human rights violations. Under the guise of a crackdown on criminal activity in the capital, Juba, these forces have allegedly engaged in arbitrary arrests and abuses, including torture and forced conscription. The operations, which began in late June 2025, seem to target marginalized youth, with accusations of ill-treatment and extortion accompanying the detention of civilians. HRW has called for immediate actions to end these practices and for comprehensive investigations into the alleged abuses.
The experiences of those detained are alarming. According to HRW, detainees have been subjected to harsh conditions, including beatings and deprivation of basic necessities such as food and water. There have also been reports of sexual violence against women and girls. Particularly concerning is the forced conscription of children into armed forces, a practice explicitly forbidden under international human rights law, which mandates 18 as the minimum age for conscription. South Sudanese authorities have not informed family members about the whereabouts of the detainees, raising fears of enforced disappearances, which are prohibited under international law.
Despite these revelations, South Sudanese police have denied the allegations of forced conscription and disappearances, maintaining that their operations have strictly targeted criminal elements. The authorities have explained the relocation of detainees to facilities outside the capital as a measure to counter overcrowding.
South Sudan continues to grapple with instability stemming from a violent conflict that began in 2013. The armed struggle involves factions loyal to former President Salva Kiir and those supporting his rival, Riek Machar. A peace agreement reached in 2018 has failed to yield a lasting cessation of hostilities, resulting in a protracted humanitarian crisis and mass displacement. Clashes and the looming threat of resumed conflict persist amid international warnings about potential escalations according to HRW.
Adding to these troubles are allegations of corruption at the highest political levels, which have further compounded South Sudan’s humanitarian plight. In September 2025, Vice President Riek Machar faced charges of murder and crimes against humanity related to his involvement in assaults on security forces. Investigations by the UN have also implicated South Sudanese political figures in the misappropriation of billions in public funds, depriving citizens of essential services like food and healthcare.
The situation raises urgent questions about governance and accountability in South Sudan. With the findings of Human Rights Watch, there is a growing call for adherence to international human rights norms to prevent further deterioration of already strained relations and humanitarian conditions in the country.