Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director for Eastern Africa called on the government and SPLM/A in opposition to immediately cease attacks on civilians, accusing them of demonstrating a total disregard for the laws of war.
Michelle Kagari in a statement on Tuesday said ‘all states must suspend international arms transfers to South Sudan, until there are guarantees they will not be used to commit or facilitate serious abuses’.
The Deputy Director said as the country marks its third Independence, new evidence is emerging of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both government and opposition forces.
The official called on the international community to pressure the South Sudanese authorities to bring to justice all those who committed serious violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law during the conflict.
The Deputy Director said government and opposition forces failed to fulfil their promises to cease attacks on civilians, sexual violence, destruction of property and violence against children.
The official added that the two parties also failed to facilitate humanitarian access and hold perpetrators accountable.
Amnesty International Deputy Director said clashes continue in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states dishonouring a ceasefire agreed on January 23 and renewed on May 5 and 9.