The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a scathing indictment of the country’s human rights record, citing entrenched impunity, a near-total absence of basic services, and the devastating impact of international aid cuts. Following a four-day visit, the experts painted a grim picture of a nation where lawlessness prevails and the most vulnerable are left to suffer.
“There are three deeply troubling patterns across the country,” said Yasmin Sooka, chair of the commission. “It’s entrenched impunity… a complete absence of governance and basic services… and what you’re seeing is really the outcome of years of corruption and predation by political elites.”
The experts highlighted a range of egregious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers. They argued that the lack of accountability for these abuses fuels a cycle of violence and undermines any hope for lasting peace.
The experts also expressed grave concern about the impact of dwindling international aid. “Severe international aid cuts… mean humanitarian support is diminishing,” Sooka explained, leaving vulnerable populations without access to essential services like healthcare, education, and even food. The experts warned that this reduction in aid, coupled with the diversion of oil revenues away from the people, is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and pushing communities further into desperation.
The commission’s visit to Kuacjok in Warrap State revealed the devastating reality of sexual and gender-based violence. “We met numerous young girls forced into marriage—treated as commodities,” Sooka recounted. These teenage survivors shared harrowing stories of rape, abuse, and forced pregnancies, all while lacking access to even the most basic services.
Barney Afako called on the government to amend the National Security Service Act, citing its powers of arrest and detention as a source of systematic abuse. Carlos Castresana Fernandez highlighted the severe underfunding of the judiciary, which renders courts incapable of addressing the rampant violence. He also noted the disturbing adoption of extrajudicial killings as state law in Warrap State, a direct consequence of the justice system’s collapse.
The UN experts urged South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize human rights, address the urgent needs of the people, and take concrete steps to protect the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons.Without significant and immediate action, they warned, the human rights situation is likely to deteriorate further, potentially leading to renewed conflict and even greater suffering for the South Sudanese people.