Human Rights chief slams South Sudan for detentions without due process
Civilian-populated areas, including a medical facility operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), were hit.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk has raised alarm over a worsening human rights situation in South Sudan, following a surge in violence, arbitrary detentions, and hate speech since February.
Türk said hostilities between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLA-IO), along with their allied armed groups, have resulted in the deaths of at least 75 civilians and injuries to 78 others.
Thousands have also been forced to flee their homes.
The clashes intensified between 3 and 20 May, with reports indicating that the SSPDF launched indiscriminate aerial bombings as well as river and ground attacks on SPLA-IO positions in Fangak, Jonglei State, and in Tonga County, Upper Nile.
Civilian-populated areas, including a medical facility operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), were hit.
On 21 May, SPLA-IO and its allied groups mounted a counter-offensive to reclaim lost ground in Fangak, which sparked further displacement of civilians.
"The escalating hostilities in South Sudan portend a real risk of further exacerbating the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation, and undermining the country’s fragile peace process," said Türk.
“All parties must urgently pull back from the brink.”
He called on all parties to respect the 2018 peace agreement, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and allow humanitarian access as required under international law.
The renewed violence follows a series of attacks and confrontations in February in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, reportedly involving the White Army militia.
Most of the current fighting has taken place in Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states.
Türk also expressed deep concern over the wave of arrests targeting political figures linked to the SPLM-IO.
At least 55 high-ranking officials, including South Sudan’s first vice-president, ministers, members of parliament, and military officers, were arrested between 5 and 26 March.
Some of them are civilians.
"I am concerned that many of the detentions are arbitrary in nature, as the individuals in question were arrested without warrants or due process," he said.
"Those arbitrarily detained must be immediately and unconditionally released."
Türk urged authorities in South Sudan to allow the UN Mission in South Sudan access to detention facilities run by the National Security Service so they can check on the condition of those being held.
He further called on the government to act quickly and decisively to stop the spread of hate speech.
