The United Kingdom on Friday called on the UN Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution extending the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for another year.
Speaking in Geneva on behalf of a core group including Albania, Ireland, Norway and the UK, UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders said the resolution comes against a “deeply troubling backdrop” in South Sudan, citing renewed large-scale conflict and widespread human rights abuses. These include abductions of children, conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, forced recruitment, aerial bombardments and attacks on civilians.
“The latest developments are a sobering reminder that reporting, monitoring, evidence preservation and transitional justice remain vital tools for holding perpetrators to account,” Sanders said, praising the Commission’s continued role in these areas.
She also paid tribute to the late Nicholas Haysom, the former UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for South Sudan, and thanked Ambassador Deng of South Sudan for constructive discussions on the draft text.
Sanders welcomed the cooperation between the Commission and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, noting continued access granted to the Commission’s team in Juba.
Sanders further highlighted support from regional colleagues in Africa who helped strengthen the resolution by reflecting the latest efforts to resolve the conflict.
“In the midst of a tragedy such as the one unfolding in South Sudan, prioritization of human rights is essential – whether through protection of civilians provided by UNMISS, capacity-building by the Office of the High Commissioner, or the independent investigative and accountability function of the Commission,” she said.
She urged the Council to adopt the draft resolution, calling for a vote in its favour if needed, and stressed that adherence to the Peace Agreement remains central to delivering a future the people of South Sudan deserve.