The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on all parties involved in the conflict in South Sudan to urgently de-escalate tensions to prevent further deterioration of the country’s already dire human rights and humanitarian situation.
Since May 3, fighting has intensified between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), particularly in Fangak, Jonglei State, and Tonga County, Upper Nile. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), there have been reports of indiscriminate aerial bombardments and river and ground assaults resulting in at least 75 civilian deaths, 78 injuries, and mass displacement of thousands of people. Civilian areas, including a medical facility run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), have also been targeted.
The violence threatens to derail South Sudan’s fragile peace process. The 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to stabilize the nation after years of civil war, is at risk of collapsing amid the renewed hostilities. The UN rights chief emphasized the importance of all parties honoring the agreement, protecting civilians, and ensuring humanitarian access.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating situation. The UN Security Council has urged all parties to immediately end the fighting and engage in political dialogue. Rights groups have also sounded the alarm over the use of barrel bombs and other indiscriminate weapons in populated areas.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, with millions in need of assistance and thousands displaced, the UN and other international bodies continue to call for restraint and a recommitment to peace to prevent South Sudan from descending further into conflict.
