The UN has raised alarms about human rights violations in South Sudan, specifically regarding the arbitrary detention of over 1,140 civilians, including women and children. A report details that many detentions are for non-criminal acts, primarily executed by government forces. UN officials call for the immediate release of those unlawfully held and urge accountability for human rights abuses, amid ongoing political instability and unfulfilled peace agreements.
The United Nations has expressed grave alarm regarding significant human rights abuses occurring in South Sudan, particularly the arbitrary arrest and detention of numerous individuals, including women and children. A recent collaborative report from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) highlighted that, from January 2023 to May 2024, over 1,140 civilians, including 87 minors, were detained without just cause.
Among those detained were women and girls resisting arranged marriages, seeking divorces, or accused of infidelity, alongside members of opposition parties and their supporters. The UN condemned these detentions, underscoring that many were not based on criminal acts. The report attributed responsibility for these actions to both state security forces and armed groups, with a majority of the arbitrary arrests executed by government entities.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, urged the South Sudanese authorities to immediately release all unlawfully detained individuals and to ensure accountability for the offenders. Since its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan, recognized as the world’s youngest nation, has encountered a myriad of persistent challenges, including ethnic violence, political turmoil, economic difficulties, and recurrent natural disasters.
The current political landscape remains tense, as crucial elements of the 2018 peace agreement remain unfulfilled, including the drafting of a permanent constitution and the merger of rival factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. Recently, the transitional administration extended the timeframe for executing the peace agreement and postponed elections until December 2026, further complicating the nation’s political climate.
Understanding the context of human rights issues in South Sudan is essential to grasp the severity of the situation. Since gaining independence, South Sudan has been plagued by a series of crises that stem from ethnic conflicts, political rivalries, and a lack of strong governance. The ongoing humanitarian challenges exacerbate the suffering of the populace. The UNEP and UNMISS initiatives aim to monitor and report human rights violations while advocating for necessary reforms to stabilize the country and protect human rights.
In summary, the United Nations has spotlighted serious human rights violations in South Sudan, particularly focusing on arbitrary detentions that violate fundamental rights. The UN has called for the release of unlawfully detained individuals and for accountability from perpetrators of these abuses. The ongoing political tensions and unfulfilled peace agreements illustrate the ongoing struggles faced by South Sudan, as the international community watches closely for necessary reforms and progress towards a more stable society.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
