A report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan underscores the persisting mass violence and gross human rights violations in the country, casting a shadow over the upcoming landmark elections scheduled for December. Despite the promise of these elections to symbolize a step towards lasting peace since the end of the 2013 civil war, the report warns of patterns of violence, violations, and entrenched impunity, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. The 2018 peace agreement’s crucial steps, including adopting a permanent constitution, unifying armed forces, and establishing transitional justice institutions, remain incomplete, posing challenges to the elections’ political and logistical aspects.
Commissioner Barney Afako emphasizes that time is running out for South Sudan’s leaders to fulfill key commitments, crucial for peace and advancing human rights post-elections. The report highlights the alarming targeting of women and girls, the troubling rise in abductions, and routine denial of health and education entitlements for South Sudanese children. It reveals the continued use of child soldiers by the armed forces, emphasizing a lack of political will to address the well-known drivers of violence and repression. Chair of the commission, Yasmin Sooka, stresses that South Sudan’s future relies on leaders honoring commitments to bring peace and halt recurring human rights violations.
The summary is based on an article from ABC news and credit for the original reporting goes to them.
