Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-02 07:03:10
On March 2, 2024, a new United Nations report highlighted the severe mass violence and deep-rooted repression present in South Sudan, posing a significant threat to lasting peace and the protection of human rights. The report was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, stressing the urgent need for the South Sudanese government to address these violations and fulfill the expectations of the people and commitments outlined in the peace agreement.
Yasmin Sooka, the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, established in March 2016, expressed grave concern over the situation in South Sudan. She emphasized the devastating impact of human rights abuses committed by armed forces, militias, and State institutions acting without consequences. Sooka also pointed out the restrictive conditions under which media and civil society groups operate, limiting the democratic space in the country.
The report highlighted the ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan, with State actors either instigating or turning a blind eye to violence that includes killings, sexual crimes, and forced displacement of civilians. The use of children in armed forces, suppression of media and civil society organizations, and the misappropriation of State funds away from vital institutions further exacerbate human rights abuses in the country.
Despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement outlining measures to address conflict drivers and human rights violations, significant progress is yet to be made. Commissioner Barney Afako noted the unfulfilled promises of the agreement, jeopardizing peace and human rights protections. Key commitments, such as merging forces, drafting a permanent constitution, and establishing transitional justice institutions, remain unimplemented, raising concerns over the country’s future stability.
The report revealed that patterns of violations continue to escalate due to unaddressed root causes. Particularly alarming are the increasing incidents of abductions in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, marked by horrific sexual violence and family separations. Despite authorities paying ransoms to secure the release of abductees, many women and children remain missing, highlighting the State’s failure to effectively intervene and punish perpetrators.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernandez emphasized the urgent need to establish a functioning judiciary to hold criminals accountable and protect the population from further violations. The report also outlined persistent attacks against journalists and human rights defenders, as well as pervasive media censorship and restrictions on civic activities, hindering democratic and civic engagement in South Sudan.
The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan operates as an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, striving to shed light on human rights violations and advocate for justice and accountability in the country. The report serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges facing South Sudan and the imperative for political leaders to uphold their commitments to peace and human rights protections before the upcoming elections slated for December.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
