The United Nations has expressed deep concern over a surge in human rights violations in South Sudan, warning that civilians are increasingly becoming victims of deadly violence across parts of the country.
As accounts of human rights violations in South Sudan pile up, the spokesperson for the UN high comisisoner of human rights has voiced concern
Seif Magango said, “in the past 17 days, more than 160 civilians have been killed, at least 139 of them by fighters from the Bul Nuer ethnic group in Abiemnom locality, in the Ruweng Administrative Area, on 1 March. On 21 February, 21 civilians were killed by government forces in Panko village, Ayod County, Jonglei State, when soldiers lured them into gathering at one place promising to give them food aid, then opened fire on them.”
”Fifteen women and three girls were among those killed. That same day, soldiers reportedly tied up and beheaded four civilians one elderly man, a woman, a boy, and a girl – in Thiam village of Wau Payam, Western Bahr al Ghazal State,” he added.
He called for an immediate ceasefire in the country, which has been plagued by violence for years.
The UN warned that such acts could amount to serious violations of international human rights law, and in some cases may even constitute war crimes if investigations confirm deliberate attacks on civilians.
Human rights officials urged all parties involved in the conflict to immediately stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.
The UN also called on authorities to ensure independent investigations into the killings, protect affected communities, and allow humanitarian agencies safe access to deliver assistance to those displaced by the violence.
The renewed violence comes at a time when Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar continue to struggle to fully implement the 2018 peace agreement, which was meant to end years of civil war in the country.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced repeated cycles of political instability and armed conflict. The latest surge in violence has raised fears among international observers that the fragile peace process could face renewed pressure if the attacks continue.
The United Nations has therefore urged South Sudanese authorities and armed groups to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and commit to dialogue to prevent further escalation of violence.
