The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a report calling on the country’s leaders to confront rampant corruption and the climate of impunity that fosters severe human rights abuses. Chair Yasmin Sooka emphasised the urgency, noting the political elite’s ongoing violent behaviours six years post-independence, failing to serve the needs of the populace. The Commission’s 2024 investigations highlighted enduring patterns of violations linked to public officials, including systematic sexual violence and the forced recruitment of children into armed conflict.
The report reveals troubling violence in places like Tambura, where ethnic divisions have been exacerbated by powerful political and military figures, perpetuating trauma since the 2021 conflict. Persistent impunity allows these leaders to retain their positions, despite past atrocities. Commissioner Barney Afako pointed out the failures in governance and the need for addressing national wealth distribution to build credible institutions and fulfil the promises of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
The recent two-year extension of transitional political arrangements must not merely serve as an excuse for inaction, according to the report. Instead, it presents an opportunity to implement vital components including the establishment of a permanent constitution for peace. Despite significant oil revenues of about $3.5 billion from 2022 to 2024, essential services like courts and hospitals languish in neglect due to pervasive corruption.
The report criticises the 2024 introduction of the “Green Book” state law in Warrap, which allows for extrajudicial killings. This legislation has entrenched lawlessness and selectively targets specific groups in conflicts, further destabilising community relations. The Commission lamented the inadequate judicial system, urging for immediate funding to prevent violence from becoming the primary form of justice.
Following recent engagements with human rights violation survivors, Sooka underscored the urgent need to combat the entrenched repression and political inertia that perpetuates human suffering. The Commission has documented a tragic neglect of key institutions, which further exacerbates public discontent and undermines efforts towards fostering peace and accountability in South Sudan.
The UN report on South Sudan highlights the urgent need for leaders to tackle corruption and impunity, which fuel severe human rights violations. It cites ongoing violence, including sexual violence and child recruitment into armed groups, linked to political elites. The Commission calls for the effective implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and for the cessation of laws like the “Green Book” that exacerbate lawlessness. A focus on strengthening essential institutions and addressing systemic corruption is critical for peace.
In summary, South Sudan’s leaders must confront their systemic failures related to corruption and impunity to ensure true progress and accountability for human rights violations. The ongoing political violence, documented by the UN Commission, illustrates the severe consequences of neglecting essential institutions and failing to uphold peace agreements. Immediate action is required to pivot away from cycles of violence and towards sustainable peace and justice for the citizens of South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
