The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported that the lack of accountability and ongoing violence by political leaders is fueling human rights violations. The report emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to ensure peace and justice, particularly against ethnic violence and systemic sexual abuses. Key recommendations include addressing corruption and implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement to foster institutional stability.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has indicated that the country’s leaders are perpetuating significant human rights abuses while obstructing peace efforts. In its latest report presented to the UN Human Rights Council, the Commission emphasized the urgent need for political leaders to tackle corruption and impunity to avoid jeopardizing the political transition of South Sudan. Chair Yasmin Sooka highlighted the continuation of violent political contestation despite peace agreements, failing to protect civilians against violence and systemic sexual abuses.
The report highlights the ongoing violence in Tambura, where armed groups perpetrated atrocities against civilians based on ethnic lines, reiterating the negative impact of unresolved conflict-related traumas. Investigations disclosed that certain political and military elites are complicit, remaining unaccountable for their past actions while utilizing violence as a political tool, further exacerbating tensions in the region.
Commissioner Barney Afako noted the systematic nature of conflict-related sexual violence, stressing the urgent need for care facilities for survivors. He attributed the cycle of human rights violations to the pervasive impunity that hinders accountability and governance, calling for a renewed commitment to institutional reforms outlined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement that will establish a foundation for stability.
Parties to the Revitalized Agreement have extended the transitional political arrangements for another two years, a decision Afako cautioned should not become an excuse for inaction. There is a pressing need to implement key components of the Agreement, such as the adoption of a permanent constitution that is vital for achieving sustainable peace.
Despite significant government revenues of around $3.5 billion from oil between 2022 and 2024, essential services remain underfunded, leaving schools, hospitals, and judicial systems in disrepair. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández underscored that without addressing corruption, citizens will continue to suffer from inadequate access to justice and essential services.
The introduction of the “Green Book” state law in Warrap, which permits extrajudicial killings for suspected crimes, has promoted a climate of lawlessness. The Commission found that the application of this law often politically targeted certain individuals, intensifying conflict and hampering the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice. Fernández asserted that immediate action is necessary to abolish this law and provide adequate resources for judicial functions.
In their recent visit to South Sudan, the Commissioners met with victims of human rights violations and expressed concern over the entrenched repression and the lack of political will to address ongoing abuses. They reiterated that the government has neglected crucial institutions essential for governance, exacerbating the dire human rights situation. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan serves as an independent body established by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor violations and advocate for accountability.
In summary, the UN Commission’s report underscores critical human rights abuses in South Sudan, compounded by a lack of accountability among political leaders. The persistent violence, especially ethnic-based attacks and systemic sexual violence, highlights the failures in governance that threaten the nation’s stability. Immediate reforms, adherence to international law, and the dissolution of harmful laws like the ‘Green Book’ are essential for establishing a path toward sustainable peace and justice.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
