September 9, 2022
Cited article by UN News
HRRC condemns the rights abuses being committed in South Sudan. The UN-joint report presents vital data on the severity of the human rights violations, and it is utmost importance that the international community urge the South Sudanese government to hold the perpetrators accountable for these offenses.
Article Summary
A joint report by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) identifies gross abuses being committed in Unity State, a region of South Sudan. Between the dates February 11 and May 31, conflict between the joint Government Forces and parts of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army resulted in the deaths and displacement of many. Outside of those killed, the report documents 44,000 civilians forcibly displaced, and hostilities affecting at least 28 villages and settlements.
A total of 131 cases of rape and gang rape have been identified, including one case that resulted in the death of a nine-year-old girl. The majority of the abuses have been committed by the joint Government Forces, however some have been committed by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army. The report finds that these abuses are being committed with impunity, and that the government is bound by international law to investigate and those the perpetrators accountable.