UN Commission Highlights Ongoing Human Rights Violations in South Sudan

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has released a video report highlighting ongoing violence and serious human rights violations in the country. Marking the 11th anniversary of the civil war, the report emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and transitional justice to break the cycle of impunity and establish lasting peace.

On Sunday, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan unveiled a poignant 19-minute video report entitled “The Unrelenting Cycle of Violence in South Sudan.” This report vividly illustrates the ongoing violence and significant human rights abuses in the nation, deeply rooted in a culture of impunity that has left many South Sudanese in pain, yearning for justice. The Commission released this report to mark the 11th anniversary of the civil war that erupted in December 2013, using the testimonies of victims to spotlight the extensive suffering inflicted by the conflict on families and communities, fracturing the social fabric of South Sudan.

The Commission emphasized the urgency of implementing comprehensive transitional justice measures. These should encompass criminal accountability, truth-telling, reparations for victims, and transformative institutional reforms intended to prevent future violence and ensure human rights protections. The statement highlights the necessity for a societal shift from distrust towards a sustainable peace governed by human rights and the rule of law. Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, remarked upon the cyclical nature of violence, exacerbated by the lack of accountability for perpetrators, thereby encouraging further horrific acts against civilians. “Pervasive impunity has emboldened individuals to commit horrific crimes as they have no fear of retribution. The demand from South Sudanese civilians is clear: they want justice and reparations for what they have suffered. They have waited far too long,” she stated.

Despite multiple peace initiatives, including the 2015 Peace Agreement and the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, South Sudan remains deeply entrenched in violence, influenced by political strife and exploitation among elites who thrive amidst the chaos. Commissioner Barney Afako underscored that thousands continue to live in fear while those responsible for atrocities remain unpunished. He called for immediate action to establish necessary institutions for truth, reconciliation, and reparative justice.

The report illustrates a grim reality where proactive leadership is required to halt the ongoing suffering of South Sudanese citizens. As Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernandez asserted, “Failure to end impunity is a failure of governance and leadership.” He reiterated that the establishment of a strong, independent justice system is crucial to addressing the overwhelming human rights violations that plague the nation. The conflict has resulted in immense civilian suffering, displacing millions and resulting in loss of life while the underlying issues of governance and accountability remain unaddressed.

On this solemn anniversary, the UN Commission’s video report serves as a stark reminder of the costs associated with the failure of leaders to protect their citizens and uphold their rights. It calls for renewed efforts toward establishing a robust framework for transitional justice to eradicate the pervasive culture of impunity that continues to afflict the lives of the South Sudanese people.

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan focuses on documenting and addressing human rights violations in the country, particularly in light of the ongoing civil conflict that began in December 2013. With a legacy of violence, the country faces significant challenges in establishing accountability for the atrocities committed against civilians. The recurring nature of violence and the lack of justice have had devastating impacts on the society, necessitating discussions on transitional justice and the reforms needed to foster genuine peace and reconciliation.

The UN Commission’s report underlines the urgent need for comprehensive transitional justice processes to address the ongoing cycle of violence in South Sudan. Lighting the path toward accountability and rights protection, it advocates for immediate action to establish mechanisms that facilitate reparations and healing within the society. The call for decisive leadership and commitment to justice remains paramount to lifting the heavy toll imposed on the civilians of South Sudan.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org