Faith Nyasuguta
South Sudan’s path to complete civilian rule through democratic processes faces challenges, as highlighted in a report by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.
The chairperson, Yasmin Sooka, emphasizes the urgency of establishing a unified national army and transitional justice organs to address past conflicts.
With elections planned for December 2024, the report emphasizes the need for careful navigation in concluding the political transition to achieve lasting peace.
Violent attacks persist, especially along ethnic lines in areas like the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei State, where women and children suffer abduction and brutal abuse.
The report details ongoing human rights violations, including forced marriages, sexual slavery, and the public display and sale of abducted individuals. The dysfunctional criminal justice system allows perpetrators to act with impunity.
Ransoms negotiated by authorities often serve as incentives for further abductions. The Commission calls for an end to political and local conflicts, emphasizing the importance of investing in state and nation-building rooted in respect for diversity and human rights protection.
Commissioner Barney Afako stresses the leaders’ role in ending conflicts and contestations, fostering a commitment to human rights and diversity. The Commissioners engaged with South Sudanese leaders, civil society, victims, and human rights defenders.
The report encourages the completion of processes outlined in the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, mediated by Igad, to establish the foundation for sustainable peace.
The prevalence of human rights abuses and the vulnerability of the population highlight the need for prioritizing and resourcing institutions for crime prevention and punishment.
Despite South Sudan’s recent ratification of UN human rights treaties in February 2024, challenges persist, and the report emphasizes the importance of fulfilling obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Ratification is seen as a step towards opening civic and political space, aligning state institutions with human rights protection, and fostering a supportive environment for civil society actors and journalists.
The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, established in 2016 by the United Nations Human Rights Council, plays a crucial role in investigating and reporting human rights violations and abuses, aiming to clarify responsibility under national and international law.
The report sheds light on the c difficulties facing South Sudan’s journey to democracy and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address ongoing challenges.
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