The U.N. human rights chief on Friday expressed alarm at the fast-deteriorating situation in South Sudan, citing credible reports that nearly 2,000 civilians have been killed this year as political tensions escalate.
According to information documented by the U.N. Human Rights Office, at least 1,854 people were killed, 1,693 injured, 423 abducted and 169 subjected to sexual violence from January to September. This represents a 59% increase in the total number of victims compared to the same period last year. The actual figures are believed to be higher, as security constraints have hindered full verification.
The first three months of the year saw the highest number of civilian victims in any quarter since 2020, according to the Human Rights Division of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
“With fears of a collapse of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and a return to widespread violence intensifying, I deeply worry for the plight of civilians in South Sudan,” said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Civilian casualties have increased as armed clashes intensify, compounded by extrajudicial killings. The South Sudanese army has carried out military operations, including airstrikes in populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties, displacement, and the destruction of medical facilities, schools and homes.
Communal violence has also intensified, with a 33% year-on-year increase. The U.N. Human Rights Office also documented continued extrajudicial killings by security forces, with at least 45 individuals killed in circumstances amounting to arbitrary deprivation of life, including two boys.
“Men, women and children have been killed, injured and displaced, and homes, schools, health centres and other infrastructure destroyed, with devastating consequences on civilians. This is unconscionable and must stop,” Türk said.
The U.N. rights chief urged all parties to protect civilians and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. He also called on the government to ensure that ongoing judicial proceedings against First Vice President Riek Machar and other senior opposition figures comply with international human rights standards.
“I urge the parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and the international community, including regional bodies, to do everything in their power to pull South Sudan from the brink,” Türk said.
On 22 September, court proceedings involving First Vice President Riek Machar and other senior Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition members commenced in the capital Juba. They face charges of murder, treason, crimes against humanity and other offences related to the attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Force base in the northeastern town of Nasir in March this year.