Upper Nile Violence, shrinking civic space dominate the Commemoration of Human Rights Day

The European Union Delegation to South Sudan together with development partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media representatives on Thursday commemorated the International Human Rights Day under theme: Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All.

The violence in Upper Nile, the shrinking civic space and the need for the government, development partners and CSOs to collaborate to end the rampant subnational violence across the country, especially in Upper Nile State dominated discussions at the event at the European Compound in Kololo.

According to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), over 9100 people have been displaced following the recent surge in violence in Fashoda County of Upper Nile State. The clashes which intensified in mid-November between the Agwelek forces of General Johnson Olony and the Kitgwang Declaration forces under General Simon Gatwech, have resulted to a number of civilian deaths and injuries, abduction of women and children, destruction of properties and livelihoods as well as reports of gender based violence incidences.

“We are appalled by the continuous violence that has devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the ordinary women, men and children. Those vulnerable, who are already affected by the dire humanitarian situation in the country, suffer most,” the European Union Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen bemoaned.

“We urge the government and local authorities to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian partners to all those in need and call upon the parties to the conflict to cease all violence and in all circumstances, act in full respect of international humanitarian law and respect of human rights.”

Representing indigenous Human Rights Defenders, Jackline Nasiwa, the Director for Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice, urged the EU, UNMISS and International Community to support local efforts and CSOs in promoting local peace building and reconciliation initiatives at the community levels.

“We are happy to be given the platform to raise our voices but we need your core support and protection to continue our work,” Ms Nasiwa appealed.  “Together, let us make South Sudan a better place. It is our collective responsibility to protect human rights and redouble our efforts in favour of the vulnerable people.”

Tangara Consuelo of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who regularly travelled to Upper Nile state recently, said the humanitarian situation there is getting worse each day.

Every year on 10 December, the world celebrates Human Rights Day, the very day when, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).