The United State of America expressed deep concern over the expulsion of the UN Human Rights Investigator, Sandra Beidas, from South Sudan.
Mark Toner, Acting Spokesperson at the US Department of State, said in a statement that the US administration was “deeply concerned” about South Sudan’s decision to order Ms Beidas to leave the country within 48 hours.He expressed the US’ full support to UNMISS and its efforts to strengthen Government institutions, provide humanitarian relief and to monitor, mitigate and prevent conflicts.
Mr Toner stressed that human rights monitoring, investigation and reporting were core elements of the UNMISS mandate.
He asked the Government of South Sudan to allow human rights personnel to carry out their work without fear of reprisal or expulsion.
Yesterday, the diplomatic corps based in Juba held an emergency meeting to analyze the implications of Ms Beidas’ expulsion.
UNMISS chief Hilde Johnson said in a statement that the expulsion violated the Status of the Forces Agreement.