A recent UN Commission report condemns South Sudan’s political leaders for enabling violence and human rights abuses. It highlights the continued impunity for serious violations and the urgent need to redirect national wealth towards essential services. Amidst pervasive corruption, the report calls for substantial reforms to ensure accountability and peace implementation following the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has released a report urging political leaders to confront the corruption and impunity that perpetuate grave human rights violations, jeopardizing the nation’s political transition. Presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the comprehensive 24-page report highlights the ongoing violence within South Sudan, underscoring the failures of leaders to uphold peace commitments and protect civilians.
Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka expressed deep concern over the recurrence of violent political struggles and the repeated pattern of severe human rights abuses across the country. Investigations conducted throughout 2024 revealed entrenched violence and sexual exploitation, often implicating senior officials who remain unpunished for their actions. The report highlights a consistent failure to provide survivors with necessary healthcare and support, notably for young individuals affected by conflicts.
The report also emphasizes the impact of ongoing impunity on the underlying issues of governance, where rampant corruption diverts national resources away from essential services and institution-building efforts outlined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Commissioner Barney Afako stressed the importance of transforming the transitional arrangements into an opportunity for substantial constitutional and governance reform.
Despite the extension of the transitional political framework until September 2026, the Commission noted significant government revenues of approximately $3.5 billion, primarily from oil. However, the country’s judicial and social services remain severely underfunded, denying citizens access to justice, healthcare, and education while corrupt practices continue.
The report critiques the introduction of the controversial “Green Book” state law in Warrap, which allows extrajudicial killings under the guise of managing cattle raiding and communal violence. This law has been implicated in fostering lawlessness and exacerbating community tensions, creating an environment where retaliation becomes commonplace, devoid of judicial recourse for victims.
During their recent visit, the Commissioners met with survivors of human rights abuses, highlighting the urgent need for reform and greater accountability within South Sudan’s governance structures. The report concludes that immediate action is needed to enhance the country’s judicial capacities and eliminate systemic corruption to pave the way for genuine peace and stability.
The UN Commission’s report asserts that South Sudan’s leaders must urgently address impunity and corruption to protect human rights and ensure effective governance. The findings highlight a persistent culture of violence, particularly against civilians and vulnerable populations, including children. The international community’s involvement, alongside robust institutional reforms, is crucial for achieving meaningful political progress and sustainable peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
