South Sudan: Human Cost of Violence in South Sudan 'Continues to Grow'

The human rights investigation team in South Sudan expressed grave concerns over escalating risks for civilians and the nation's democratic transition during their latest mission. The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that ongoing violence, political strife, limited civic space, widespread corruption, and persistent impunity continue to jeopardize the populace and the upcoming democratic transition.

During their four-day visit, the commission engaged with various government, political, security, and civil society representatives, urging authorities to prioritize civilian protection, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and foster inclusive political dialogue ahead of December's elections. South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in July 2011, but civil war erupted less than three years later, fueled by a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.

Despite a 2018 peace agreement, the conflict persists. Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka met with survivors of recent fighting in Jonglei state, hearing harrowing tales of sexual violence, killings, displacement, and family separation, with some survivors lacking access to essential medical and psychological support. The Commission Chair lamented that "the patterns have changed little, while the human cost continues to grow," emphasizing that "South Sudanese people deserve better than to have their lives shaped by recurring cycles of violence and uncertainty."

The Commission raised alarm over killings, displacement, civilian attacks, humanitarian operations disruption, and increasing insecurity for aid workers, stressing the critical importance of aid worker support amid mounting humanitarian needs and funding shortfalls. They also expressed alarm over a recent attack on an UNMISS patrol in Jonglei, which resulted in two peacekeeper deaths and others injured, calling for an investigation and accountability.

As South Sudan prepares for its first elections since independence, the Commission warned that elections lacking essential safeguards like genuine inclusive political dialogue could lead to renewed conflict and atrocity crimes. While the 2018 Revitalized Agreement implementation has stalled, the Commission emphasized its necessity for a democratic and peaceful South Sudan.

They stressed that even as South Sudan heads to elections, political and civic space has narrowed, with many safeguards for peaceful and credible polls still missing. The Commission reiterated its call for genuine inclusive political dialogue, including with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and holdout groups, civil society, women, and youth.