UN Human Rights Chief Appeals for End to Fighting in South Sudan

The UN has raised alarms over worsening human rights in South Sudan, citing renewed fighting, civilian casualties, and arbitrary arrests since February. At least 75 civilians have died, and thousands have been displaced. UN rights chief Volker Türk called for action to protect civilians and uphold peace agreements, urging an end to hate speech and arbitrary detentions.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern about the worsening human rights situation in South Sudan, pointing towards an upsurge in violence, arbitrary arrests, and hate speech since February. At least 75 civilians have reportedly lost their lives amid the ongoing clashes between the national army (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), alongside their armed allies, as stated by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) in a recent press release. The conflict has displaced thousands, compounding the region’s humanitarian crisis.

South Sudan fell into civil war back in 2013, ignited by a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar. Despite a fragile peace established through a 2018 agreement, the renewed hostilities have escalated the already precarious situation. Volker Türk, the head of OHCHR, cautioned that these growing tensions could further worsen both human rights and humanitarian crises, imploring all factions to “urgently pull back from the brink.”

The unrest took a particularly violent turn in February when the militia group known as the White Army launched attacks in Upper Nile State. Subsequent clashes intensified between May 3rd and May 20th, where reports surfaced of indiscriminate bombings and ground offensives by the SSPDF targeting SPLA-IO positions in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. Civilian displacement surged after SPLA-IO and its allies executed a counter-offensive on May 21st.

Mr. Türk emphasized the importance of adherence to the 2018 peace agreement, urging all parties to safeguard civilians and properties while ensuring humanitarian access, in accordance with international laws.

In an alarming trend, over 55 senior officials, mainly affiliated with the SPLM-IP, have been arrested nationwide from March 5th to 26th, including several prominent figures such as the first vice president, multiple ministers, and military officers. Mr. Türk raised concerns about the arbitrary nature of these detentions, noting that many occurred without any warrants or due process. He called for their immediate and unconditional release and requested the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) be granted access to detention sites managed by the National Security Service to evaluate the conditions of those held.

Moreover, the UN has urged authorities in South Sudan to take swift and effective action to combat the proliferation of hate speech throughout the country, which poses a severe threat to peace and stability post-conflict.

In summary, the United Nations has voiced significant alarm over the deteriorating human rights climate in South Sudan amidst renewed violence between warring factions. With escalating hostilities leading to civilian casualties and arbitrary arrests of high-ranking officials, the situation appears increasingly untenable. The UN’s emphasis on adherence to peace agreements and the urgent need for humanitarian access further highlights the critical need for a resolution in the region.

Original Source: news.un.org