A recent report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan identifies continuing human rights abuses fueled by corruption and impunity among political leaders. The report outlines severe issues such as extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and a collapse of essential services like healthcare and education. Recommendations include adhering to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to ensure accountability and sustainable political transition.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan released a report highlighting the ongoing impunity and corruption among the country’s political leaders, which are exacerbating gross human rights violations. This conclusion follows independent investigations conducted in 2024, demonstrating that violence continues amidst political elites’ inability to address pressing humanitarian issues.
Chair Yasmin Sooka criticized South Sudan’s leaders for perpetuating violence despite peace commitments, indicating that political contestations are failing citizens. Investigations revealed that sexual violence and extrajudicial killings remain rampant, particularly during conflicts, with military and public officials implicated.
The report details heinous acts in Tambura, where ethnic violence has led to increased divisions stemming from the 2021 conflict. Political leaders continue to hold public and military positions despite previous violations, contributing to a cycle of violence and instability.
Commissioner Barney Afako highlighted the absence of accountability and governance as key factors perpetuating these human rights abuses. The report calls for strong adherence to the Revitalized Peace Agreement to build credible institutions and systems as essential to fostering a sustainable political transition.
The recent two-year extension of the transitional political arrangements should not be seen as another opportunity to delay progress, according to Afako. Instead, it should facilitate remaining elements of the Revitalized Agreement, including the establishment of a permanent constitution.
Despite significant government revenues exceeding $3.5 billion from oil, essential services are poorly funded, leading to dilapidated courts and educational facilities. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández emphasized that addressing corruption is crucial to improving the situation and translating peace agreements into tangible changes.
The report further condemns the implementation of state laws, such as the “Green Book,” enabling extrajudicial killings for suspected cattle raiding, contributing to a culture of lawlessness. This law fuels tensions and undermines community relations while leaving victims without access to justice due to a severely underfunded judiciary.
During their recent visit to South Sudan, the Commissioners met with survivors of human rights violations, noting a severe lack of political will to break the ongoing cycle of abuses. They advocated for urgent support for essential institutions, including courts, hospitals, and schools to ensure justice and necessary services for the population.
The UN Commission’s report stresses the dire need for South Sudan’s leaders to combat corruption and address human rights violations to ensure a sustainable political transition. With ongoing violence, impunity, and a lack of accountability to the public, the situation requires immediate attention from both local authorities and the international community to foster peace and justice.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
