Arbitrary arrests in South Sudan remain a critical issue, with over 1,140 recorded cases from January 2023 to May 2024, including 162 women and 87 children. The UN calls for immediate action from the South Sudanese authorities to release detainees and combat human rights abuses, urging necessary judicial reforms ahead of forthcoming elections.
A recent report from the United Nations Human Rights Office and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) highlights the alarming persistence of arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan. Between January 2023 and May 2024, over 1,140 cases of arbitrary detention were recorded, including 162 women and 87 children. Many arrests were attributed to state security forces, particularly the National Security Service, and were often based on individuals’ refusal to conform to traditional norms, political affiliations, or participation in civic processes. The report also notes that individuals with disabilities are among those unjustly detained without legal justification.
In light of these findings, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed grave concern over the misuse of law enforcement, which undermines efforts to reform the criminal justice system and safeguard human rights. Türk urged South Sudanese authorities to release those detained arbitrarily and to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
While the government of South Sudan has made strides towards improving the human rights landscape by initiating judicial reforms, including the establishment of mobile courts and a commitment to investigate allegations of abuses, significant challenges remain. Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to South Sudan, commended the government for its willingness to probe human rights allegations but emphasized the necessity for broader efforts to uphold civil rights and liberties as the country approaches upcoming elections.
The report further highlights the prevalence of detentions based on unfounded allegations, underlining the urgent need for systemic change to ensure fairness and justice for all citizens. The UN stands ready to assist South Sudan in reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the legal and justice framework for the betterment of its people.
The conditions surrounding human rights in South Sudan have long been a pressing issue, particularly since the country’s independence in 2011, followed by years of widespread violence and instability. The UN has frequently reported on the troubling dynamics of arbitrary detentions and rights abuses, largely attributed to a mix of state and non-state actors. The report serves as both a critique of the ongoing human rights challenges and an acknowledgment of some positive steps taken by the government in an attempt to address these issues.
The UN report on arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan reveals significant ongoing human rights violations that impede the development of a robust justice system. Despite acknowledgment of the government’s reform efforts, continued arbitrary detentions, especially targeting vulnerable populations, highlight a pressing need for systemic change. The international community, through the UN, emphasizes their readiness to support these reforms while urging the South Sudanese authorities to ensure accountability and uphold the rights of all citizens as elections approach.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
