Published on: 2026-09-10
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 10, 2026 Human Rights
At the conclusion of the 14th mission in the youngest state on the planet over the past decade, independent human rights defenders expressed deep concern about the increasing threats to the civilian population in South Sudan.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, established by the Human Rights Council, warned that outbreaks of violence, political tension, restrictions on civil liberties, entrenched corruption, and impunity still jeopardize both the safety of residents and the planned transition to democratic governance.
During the four-day visit, members of the Commission held meetings with representatives of the government, security forces, political circles, and civil society. Human rights defenders called on the authorities to take urgent measures to protect the civilian population, ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of the elections scheduled for December.
The violence continues
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011. Less than three years later, a civil war broke out in the country, caused by a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Despite the signing of a peace agreement in 2018, fighting continues.
Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka visited Jonglei State and met with people affected by recent clashes in the northern part of the region. She heard stories of sexual violence, killings, forced displacement, and family separations that were shocking in their brutality. Some of the affected individuals reported being unable to receive medical and psychological assistance, including those who needed emergency treatment.
“Visit after visit, we hear the stories of people affected by the consequences of violence, displacement, and instability. They pay the price for the failure of those responsible for policy and security to prevent these disasters,” she said.
“The scenario barely changes, while the price of human suffering continues to rise. The people of South Sudan deserve a better fate than a life defined by cycles of violence and uncertainty,” Sooka added.
The humanitarian crisis is intensifying
The Commission expressed serious concern over the killings of civilians, attacks on civilian objects, mass displacement of people, disruptions in aid delivery, and increasing risks to the lives of humanitarian workers.
Experts emphasized that against the backdrop of colossal humanitarian needs and an acute funding shortage, support for humanitarian operations and the activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is critically important.
They also expressed extreme concern about the recent attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei State, which resulted in the deaths of two peacekeepers and injuries to several others. The Commission called for an investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Peace and “credible elections”
The visit takes place at a turning point: the country is preparing for the first elections since gaining independence. Previously, the Commission warned that holding the vote without basic security guarantees could provoke a new wave of conflict and increase the risk of mass atrocities.
Commission member Barney Afako noted that although the implementation of the 2018 Revised Peace Agreement has stalled, it remains the only foundation for building a democratic and peaceful South Sudan.
“The country is approaching elections, yet the political and civil space is shrinking, and many key conditions for conducting a peaceful and transparent vote have not yet been established,” he said.
“Citizens of South Sudan have the right to vote. This right must be protected: ensuring them the possibility to freely participate in the process, to compete fairly, and to resolve any electoral disputes through independent judicial institutions. It is precisely such guarantees that will prevent elections from provoking violence and destabilizing the situation,” the expert added.
The Commission has once again called for a genuine and comprehensive political dialogue. It is necessary to involve both the “Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – in opposition” led by Mashar, as well as breakaway groups, civil society, women’s and youth organizations.
Corruption and impunity
One of the main obstacles to peace and security remains corruption. The commission noted the lack of progress since the publication of its 2025 report, which detailed how systemic corruption and misappropriation of public funds infringe on citizens’ rights.
“All these years, the Commission has recorded the most severe violations and consistently pointed to the same root problem – impunity. Very often, those responsible for atrocities escape accountability, and justice institutions remain weak and drained of resources,” summarized Commission member Carlos Castresana Fernández.
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