UN Human Rights Oversight Critical as South Sudan Faces Crisis

Human Rights Watch addressed the UN Human Rights Council regarding the urgent human rights issues in South Sudan. The country is grappling with violence, the targeting of civilians, delays in implementing transitional justice mechanisms, and increasing suppression of civic freedoms. Urgent international action is necessary to promote accountability and protect human rights, urging the Council to extend the Commission’s mandate for two more years.

During an interactive dialogue at the UN Human Rights Council on February 28, 2025, Human Rights Watch expressed gratitude to the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for their recent report. South Sudan is currently facing a critical phase as it enters a prolonged transitional period, marked by violent clashes involving government forces, armed opposition groups, and allied militias, leading to civilian displacements and serious human rights violations.

The situation in southern central Equatoria reveals that civilians have become targets for all parties involved in the conflict. Human Rights Watch contends that the government must intensify efforts to protect its civilian population. Notably, while South Sudan’s Parliament has enacted essential transitional justice laws, the delay in establishing the Hybrid Court, an envisaged component of the Revitalized Peace Agreement with the African Union, hampers accountability and the overarching pursuit of peace and justice.

Furthermore, civic engagement is increasingly stifled as the National Security Service operates without proper judicial oversight, utilizing extensive powers granted by the 2024 Act to infringe upon fundamental freedoms. The ongoing arbitrary detention of Emmanuel Monychol, the editor-in-chief of the Dawn newspaper, since December 2024, exemplifies this troubling trend of suppression.

The Commission has underscored that sluggish adherence to South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement fosters a climate of impunity, which exacerbates human rights violations. Hence, there is an urgent need for decisive international action to emphasize human rights and accountability during this critical juncture. Maintaining rigorous scrutiny of the situation will empower the Council to enhance accountability measures by extending the mandate of the Commission for an additional two years, as the situation is dire and necessitates attention.

In summary, South Sudan is experiencing significant human rights challenges amid ongoing violence and a lack of accountability. The government’s failure to protect civilians and the delay in the implementation of transitional justice mechanisms hinder prospects for lasting peace. Robust international intervention and continued scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council are essential to uphold human rights and progress toward justice in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com