UN Rights Council Emphasizes Need for Continued Scrutiny in South Sudan

The Human Rights Council session on February 28, 2025, highlighted the dire situation in South Sudan as it enters another transitional period amidst ongoing violence. The delay in establishing the Hybrid Court and the deterioration of civic rights exacerbate the climate of impunity. Stronger international action and an extended mandate for the Commission are crucial for promoting accountability and protecting human rights in the country.

On February 28, 2025, at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Human Rights Watch commended the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for its recent report. The organization highlighted that South Sudan currently finds itself in a precarious situation as it embarks on another prolonged transitional period. The ongoing confrontations between government forces, armed opposition factions, and allied militias in Western Equatoria and Nasir have led to numerous forced displacements and unlawful killings, necessitating the government’s urgent action to safeguard civilian lives.

Despite the South Sudanese Parliament’s enactment of critical transitional justice laws, there remains a troubling delay in establishing the Hybrid Court, an essential component of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in collaboration with the African Union. This delay hinders accountability efforts and complicates the pursuit of sustainable peace and justice. Furthermore, the civic space continues to shrink as the National Security Service, operating with unchecked powers under the 2024 Act, systematically curtails fundamental rights, as evidenced by the arbitrary detention of Emmanuel Monychol, the editor-in-chief of the Dawn newspaper, since December 2024.

The Commission has made it clear that the slow implementation of South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement contributes to a growing culture of impunity, exacerbating human rights violations. Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for robust international measures that focus on human rights and accountability. It is crucial that the Human Rights Council sustain its scrutiny of the situation and extend the mandate of the Commission for an additional vital two years to bolster accountability initiatives.

In conclusion, South Sudan stands at a crossroads where human rights and accountability are increasingly at risk. The government must intensify efforts to protect civilians while the international community is called upon to maintain vigilance through the continued support of the UN Human Rights Council. An extension of the Commission’s mandate is essential to aid in the ongoing pursuit of justice and peace in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.hrw.org