Civilians in South Sudan continue to bear the brunt of violence in the country, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported.

Development Diaries reports that between April and June 2023, there were 222 incidents of violence against civilians (including 128 children).

The UN agency noted that 395 civilians were killed, 281 injured, 166 abducted, and 29 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

It is understood that these figures represent a 14 percent increase in violent incidents and a 20 percent increase in number of injured persons.

The majority of the victims (87 percent) were involved in incidents of intercommunal violence committed by community-based militias and/or civil defence organisations.

At least 20 people had their fundamental rights violated, including through ongoing censorship, harassment, arbitrary arrests, detention, and mistreatment of those expressing opposing or critical views by security forces.

Strengthening the legal and criminal justice systems is essential for dealing with these crimes.

For the first time in the country’s history, elections in South Sudan are scheduled to take place in December 2024, and this might lead to increased political rivalries, conflicts, and defections.

In order to protect impacted communities, increase civic and political space, and strengthen justice and accountability institutions as the nation gears up for elections, the South Sudan transitional government must act decisively with the backing of other stakeholders.

Development Diaries calls on the government of South Sudan to immediately take responsibility to improve the human rights situation in the country.

Source: UNMISS

Photo source:  EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid