The UN has alerted that human rights conditions in South Sudan are worsening amidst renewed fighting. At least 75 civilians have died since February due to clashes between the national army and opposition forces, with thousands displaced. The UN chief urged all parties to uphold the fragile 2018 peace accord and called out arbitrary arrests, particularly of high-ranking officials, worrying about the implications for human rights and stability.
On Friday, the United Nations issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in South Sudan. As violence escalates, multiple reports of arbitrary arrests and rising hate speech have emerged since February. The UN human rights office (OHCHR) disclosed that at least 75 civilians have lost their lives due to ongoing clashes between the national army, known as SSPDF, and the SPLA-In Opposition led by First Vice President Riek Machar, along with their allied groups. The conflict has displaced thousands, worsening an already dire situation.
The troubled history of South Sudan dates back to the civil war that ignited in 2013, marking a conflict between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Machar. A peace accord reached in 2018 did establish a fragile power-sharing structure, but current hostilities are jeopardizing any stability. Volker Türk, the chief of the OHCHR, stated that this escalating violence “portend a real risk of further exacerbating the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation.” He called on all parties involved to “urgently pull back from the brink.”
The recent violence sprang from attacks by a militia group known as the White Army in Upper Nile State, which began in February and only escalated. From May 3 to May 20, there were extensive reports of indiscriminate aerial bombardments and attacks on SPLA-IO positions by the SSPDF. The situation worsened further when, on May 21, the SPLA-IO counter-attacked, causing increased civilian displacement.
Mr. Türk emphasized the importance of honoring the 2018 peace agreement, urging all warring factions to ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate humanitarian access in accordance with international laws. The urgency of the appeals reflects the rising concern for the safety of vulnerable populations caught in the conflict.
Additionally, reports of arbitrary detentions have surfaced. Between March 5 and 26, at least 55 individuals, including high-ranking officials associated with the SPLM-IP, were arrested without due process. This list included South Sudan’s first vice president, various ministers, and several military officers. Mr. Türk remarked on the nature of these arrests, stating that they appeared arbitrary and lacked proper warrants.
In light of widespread concerns, Mr. Türk has demanded the immediate release of those held without just cause. He also called for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to gain access to security service detention facilities to assess detainee conditions. The UN reiterated its plea for the government to effectively tackle the proliferation of hate speech within the nation, urging prompt and meaningful action from authorities to stem this dangerous trend.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious as the UN warns of a worsening human rights atmosphere due to recent violence and renewed fighting. As reports of arbitrary detentions and increased hate speech circulate, the call for adherence to the 2018 peace agreement becomes urgent. The ongoing conflict poses grave risks not just to civilians but, more broadly, to the stability of the nation. Shadows of past conflicts threaten to return as the international community watches closely, emphasizing the necessity for immediate and responsible action.
Original Source: news.un.org
