UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for the update of the High Commissioner on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan

Madam President,

The United Kingdom welcomes the Government of South Sudan’s commitment to address human rights concerns and we recognise progress made in implementation of the 2018 Peace Agreement.

However, three years since the Agreement was signed, the real benefits are yet to be felt by ordinary South Sudanese. The severe suffering caused by ongoing violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, and arbitrary detentions, is unacceptable. Recent increased restrictions on freedom of expression in response to calls for peaceful protest are also of deep concern. We urge the government to deliver on their commitments to improve the situation, and uphold freedom of speech as guaranteed in the Transitional Constitution.

The UK is proud of the help we provide to the people of South Sudan. As part of that assistance, we are clear that South Sudan should receive technical support from the international community to help address these human rights issues.

Evidence of continued human rights violations and abuses is clear. As a Council, the ongoing human rights situation in South Sudan should demand our full attention. We remain of the view that robust monitoring, particularly through the continuation of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, is essential to fully understand and address the human rights situation. We urge members to consider this when the issue returns to the Council’s agenda in 2022.