The UN warns of a looming human rights crisis in South Sudan due to escalating violence and arbitrary arrests, urging warring parties to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement while addressing hate speech and civilian protection.
On Friday, the United Nations expressed alarm over the rapidly worsening human rights situation in South Sudan. This comes amid increasing violence, arbitrary arrests, and a rise in hate speech since February. According to the UN human rights office, OHCHR, hostilities between the national army, known as the SSPDF, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) have resulted in at least 75 civilian deaths, alongside widespread displacement of thousands.
Civil unrest has been a persistent issue in South Sudan since a civil war broke out in 2013, pitting supporters of President Salva Kiir against those of First Vice President Riek Machar. While a fragile peace accord was established in 2018, recent escalations have raised serious concerns. Volker Türk, the leader of the UN human rights office, stated that the uptick in fighting “portends a real risk of further exacerbating the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation.” He urged all conflicting parties to “urgently pull back from the brink.”
The latest violence reportedly began in February, following attacks by a militia group known as the White Army in Upper Nile State. From early to mid-May, there were intensified clashes, including indiscriminate aerial bombardments and ground offensives by SSPDF against SPLA-IO positions in Jonglei and Upper Nile. Following a counter-offensive by SPLA-IO and its allies on May 21, civilian displacement has dramatically increased.
Türk emphasized the importance of adhering to the 2018 peace agreement, calling for both sides to protect civilians and civilian properties and ensure humanitarian access, as mandated by international law. This appeal underscores the urgency of addressing not just immediate violence, but the broader implications for public safety and security in the country.
A new concern has surfaced regarding arbitrary detentions; between March 5 and March 26, at least 55 high-ranking officials linked to the SPLM-IP were arrested throughout the nation. Among those detained were the country’s first vice-president, various ministers, and military officers. Türk noted, “I am concerned that many of the detentions are arbitrary in nature,” since these arrests occurred without warrants or due legal process. He called on authorities to immediately release those held arbitrarily and to permit the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) access to detention facilities.
The UN has also urged the South Sudanese government to take swift and significant action against the proliferation of hate speech in the region. The rhetoric could escalate tensions further and contribute to the humanitarian crisis already faced by many citizens.
In summary, the United Nations has raised serious concerns regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in South Sudan, as armed conflict escalates and arbitrary detentions increase. With escalating violence, it is critical for all parties involved to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement and protect civilians. Immediate actions against hate speech and detainment practices are also vital in mitigating further humanitarian crises and ensuring stability in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
