Human Rights Watch addressed the UN Human Rights Council, stressing the urgent need for international accountability and protection of civilians in South Sudan. Amid ongoing violence and delayed justice mechanisms, the report underscored the deterioration of civic space and emphasized the imperative of extending the Commission’s mandate for sustained human rights defense in the country.
In a recent statement to the UN Human Rights Council delivered by Human Rights Watch, grave concerns were expressed regarding the human rights situation in South Sudan. The country currently faces critical challenges as it embarks on another transitional period, impacted by ongoing violence among government forces and armed opposition groups. Such conflicts have led to civilian displacement and violations of rights, necessitating heightened protections from the government for its citizens.
Despite the enactment of essential transitional justice legislation by South Sudan’s Parliament, delays in establishing the Hybrid Court—integral to the Revitalized Peace Agreement with the African Union—undermine efforts for accountability and the pursuit of sustainable peace. The ongoing repression of civil liberties by the National Security Service, who operates with minimal judicial oversight, exacerbates the prevailing climate of fear and suppression.
The report cited alarming instances such as the arbitrary detention of Emmanuel Monychol, editor of the Dawn newspaper, reflecting a broader trend of diminished civic space. The incremental realization of South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement has further engraved a culture of impunity, developing a fertile environment for human rights abuses. Thus, immediate international action prioritizing human rights and accountability is deemed imperative.
It is crucial that the Human Rights Council maintains vigilance over the deteriorating situation in South Sudan and continues to advocate for accountability mechanisms by extending the Commission’s mandate for an additional two years. The preservation of human rights and the pursuit of justice must remain at the forefront of global attention toward the region.
In summary, South Sudan continues to grapple with severe human rights challenges amidst ongoing conflict and political instability. As the nation navigates another transitional phase, immediate international engagement is critical to ensure the protection of civilians, accountability for rights violations, and the eventual implementation of measures aimed at achieving sustainable peace. Continuous scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council is essential to uphold these objectives.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
