CRN News Desk| The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has called for urgent international action to prevent renewed conflict and protect the country’s fragile political transition, warning that key safeguards established under the 2018 peace agreement are being systematically dismantled.
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka said South Sudanese have the right to choose their leaders, but elections must be conducted freely and without fear.
She warned that elections should not be used to justify weakening provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, including inclusive governance, power-sharing, political participation and institutional oversight.
Sooka said the country needs an inclusive political settlement regardless of whether elections are held as scheduled.
“A negotiated settlement has been displaced under cover of elections,” Sooka said, describing the development as a concentration of political authority in the presidency.
She urged the international community to look beyond the election date and focus on protecting civilians, restoring inclusive governance and strengthening institutions capable of preventing further violence.
The Commission also expressed concern over recent political and constitutional developments, including the dissolution of transitional institutions and changes to the country’s political arrangements.
It noted that First Vice President Riek Machar remains detained and on trial, while his party and other opposition actors face restrictions in the electoral process.
Commissioner Barney Afako said South Sudan’s central challenge is not simply whether elections take place on a particular date, but whether the country can establish a credible political process capable of resolving grievances and managing political differences peacefully.
The Commission warned that continued fighting, the presence of armed forces outside a unified command and persistent impunity are increasing the risk of renewed conflict.
It raised particular concern about fighting in Upper Nile and Jonglei, attacks on civilian infrastructure, conflict-related sexual violence and the recruitment of children by armed groups.
The Commission also called on the African Union to take concrete steps towards establishing the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, while urging support for domestic justice mechanisms, evidence preservation and protection of witnesses.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández said impunity remains a major obstacle to sustainable peace, arguing that individuals accused of serious violations continue to hold senior political and military positions.
The Commission further called for action against resources that fuel conflict, including arms transfers, conflict financing and the diversion of public revenues.
It urged the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations to activate a joint task force requested by the AU C5 Plus Summit in September, with clear timelines and measurable benchmarks to help restore inclusive governance under the 2018 peace agreement.
The Commission also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
It urged member states to provide the UN Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, with the resources and freedom of movement needed to protect civilians, strengthen early-warning mechanisms and support reconciliation.
On the electoral process, the Commission called for independently assessed safeguards, credible voter registration, participation of refugees and internally displaced people, civic freedoms and impartial mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.
The Commission’s independent members are in New York from 26 to 30 October for consultations with UN member states, regional partners, civil society and other stakeholders on measures to prevent further deterioration in South Sudan.
Sooka warned that the opportunity to prevent wider atrocities is narrowing and called for coordinated international action to keep the country’s path toward sustainable peace open.