More than fifty South Sudanese, international human rights and humanitarian organizations said in a petition to regional leaders mainly South Sudan neighbours to urgently call for the United Nations Security Council to establish an arms embargo to stem horrible violations in the country.
In a statement CRN obtained, the organizations said the ongoing attacks on civilians are contributing to a humanitarian crisis.
It said Presidents of Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia are expected to meet on Thursday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to discuss South Sudan conflict to request UN Security Council to impose a comprehensive arms prohibition.
Secretariat team leader at the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms Geoffrey Duke lamented that civilians are desperate and need regional leadership to help protect them in the country.
He argued that more weapons mean citizens will face more abusive attacks, including killings, rape, burnings and pillage, calling for an action to stop the current situation in the new nation.
Rights groups called on IGAD to make public reports by its ceasefire monitors in South Sudan, including allegations of war crimes committed by both parties.