HRC 52 - Enhanced ID on report of Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan
United Nations Human Rights Council
52nd Session
Enhanced ID on report of Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan
7 March 2023
EU Statement
Mr Vice-President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. Firstly, we would like to genuinely thank the three members of the Commission on human rights and their staff for their outstanding work taking place in a very challenging and difficult environment.
Secondly, we also thank the delegation of South Sudan for enabling the 11th country visit by the commission.
Commissioners,
We note that partial progress has been achieved in implementing the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. However as planned elections have been postponed to late 2024, we remain worried about its slow implementation and call strongly for a peaceful and just transition. After nearly five years of delay, the opportunity must now be seized to reset the country towards peace, rule of law, democratic transition and prosperity.
The EU and its Member States remain deeply concerned about the continuous violence, displacements and gross human rights violations and abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, taking place in the country. In the past year, you have documented widespread attacks against civilians in several states, including southern Unity State, Upper Nile State and northern parts of Jonglei State. These conflicts were left with minimal response from the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGNU) , despite months of widespread attacks against civilian population. We strongly support your request on any party to immediately end attacks on civilians and wish to recall in the strongest terms that the RTGNU bears the primary responsibility to protect its population.
Commissioners,
Your report highlights the continuation of repression, arbitrary arrests - even of journalists - and extrajudicial killings, implicating also senior officials, who have enjoyed impunity even where the crimes have been caught on camera. The absence of substantive attempts to hold perpetrators for atrocities accountable is still a source of deep concern. Against this background, the renewal of your mandate is paramount.
Commissioners,
Your assessment of the general situation in South Sudan, including enforced disappearances, unlawful killings and sexual and gender based violence, remains alarming. Sexual and gender based violence leads to unspeakable suffering. What immediate steps can the Government of South Sudan undertake to end such human rights violations?
Thank you.