UN Highlights Consequences of Ethnic Violence on South Sudanese Civilians
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Juba, Jan 6 (NationPress) The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) released a statement on Monday expressing deep concern over the repercussions of ethnic violence on civilians, following the tragic loss of 299 lives between July and September 2024.
According to its latest quarterly report issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, UNMISS identified communal violence as a primary factor in the ongoing conflict that has heavily impacted civilians nationwide.
The Human Rights Division of the UN Peacekeeping Mission recorded 206 incidents affecting 792 civilians, with a grim tally of 299 deaths, 310 injuries, 151 kidnappings, and 32 instances of conflict-related sexual violence from July to September 2024, as stated in the report.
Despite a 4% decline in violent incidents, from 215 cases to 206 compared to the same timeframe in 2023, the overall victim count surged by 24%, rising from 641 to 792.
UNMISS noted a 7% decrease in civilian deaths, from 321 to 299, while the number of those injured increased significantly by 34%, from 231 to 310, during the same period.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan and leader of UNMISS, emphasized the need for accountability, expressing alarm over the rising incidents of violence against women and kidnappings.
"While UNMISS is committed to the proactive protection of civilians, I urge collaborative efforts from national, state, and local authorities, along with community leaders, to address long-standing grievances and develop sustainable local solutions to the causes of conflict," he stated.
Haysom called on the government to promptly investigate human rights violations and ensure that perpetrators face justice.
The report also highlighted a significant rise in abductions and conflict-related sexual violence, soaring from 65 cases to 151 during the same timeframe, while also noting a 35% reduction in violent incidents, from 317 to 206, and a 25% decrease in civilian casualties, from 1,062 to 792, compared to the prior three months (April to June 2024).
UNMISS recorded that the highest number of civilian fatalities occurred in Warrap State, accounting for 60% of all civilian deaths, while the majority of abductions were reported in Central Equatoria State, comprising 69% of all kidnappings nationwide, with most victims being men, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The report noted that tensions between government security forces and the National Salvation Front, a rebel faction, continue to jeopardize the safety and protection of civilians throughout the Greater Equatoria region, undermining the terms of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement signed by both factions.
