The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan will undertake its 14th visit to the country from 7 to 10 September 2026 as the nation faces renewed armed conflict, deepening political tensions and growing risks to civilians and the peace process, while moving towards its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011.
A press release extended to Radio Tamazuj said Chairperson Yasmin Sooka will lead the mission along with Commissioners Barney Afako and Carlos Castresana Fernández, and will engage with government authorities, political and security actors, civil society representatives, victims and survivors, humanitarian and international partners, jurists and other relevant stakeholders.
“They will assess the evolving human rights, humanitarian, political and security situation, including the impact of renewed hostilities and displacement, and the continued erosion of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” the statement reads in part. “The Commission will also examine developments affecting the meaningful political transition and the conditions necessary for a peaceful, inclusive and credible democratic process.”
“The Commissioners will use the visit to engage directly with affected communities and gather first-hand information relevant to the Commission’s mandate,” it added.
According to the statement, the findings will inform the Commission’s reporting to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and its efforts to support the prevention of human rights violations and atrocity crimes, accountability and sustainable peace.
“The Commissioners will hold a press conference in Juba on 10 September 2026 to present their preliminary observations and conclusions from the visit,” the statement concluded.
The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council. First established in March 2016, it has been renewed annually since. The commissioners were appointed by the President of the UN Human Rights Council; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work as Commissioners. They are supported by a Secretariat based in Juba, South Sudan.
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