By Ginaba Lino
The United Kingdom’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, has expressed deep concern over the shrinking civic and political space in South Sudan, the continued detention of political prisoners, restrictions on media freedom, and the lack of progress on transitional justice and accountability mechanisms.
Ambassador Sanders concluded a three-day visit to South Sudan focused on promoting and protecting human rights. “South Sudan is a country of huge importance to the UK, and there is an essential conversation to be had here on human rights,” she said.
During her visit, she held meetings with government officials, UN representatives, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders.
Sanders underscored the urgent need to restore peace as a foundation for safeguarding human rights. “Our main message is that there has to be a return to the ceasefire,” she stressed. She also emphasized to government officials the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law by all parties involved in the conflict.
Sanders raised concerns about the increasing use of aerial attacks, the rise in conflict-related sexual violence, and growing grave violations against children, including recruitment and use in armed conflict.
In her discussions with officials, Sanders urged the transitional government to prioritize peace and national dialogue, noting that civic and political space are essential for credible elections.
The visit coincided with the global #16DaysOfActivism campaign against gender-based violence an issue central to the UK’s foreign policy. As part of the campaign, British Ambassador David Ashley hosted a reception aimed at raising awareness and strengthening action against gender-based violence in South Sudan.
To deepen her understanding of local realities, Sanders visited a women and girls’ friendly space supported by the UK, which provides a safe environment for survivors of gender-based violence.
She also toured a local school, where she engaged students and staff about the barriers girls face in accessing education and learned about UK-backed initiatives helping keep girls in school.
Concluding her visit, Sanders reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan on their journey toward peace, development, and the protection of human rights.