JUBA—Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and child and women abductions still remain major concern in South Sudan, according to the report of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
According to a report issued Monday by the Human Rights Division of the UN Peacekeeping mission, the number of incidents of abduction increased from 65 to 151, or 132%, while the number of cases of sexual violence associated to conflicts increased from 24 to 32, or 33%.
A total of 792 citizens were affected by 206 incidents, of whom 299 were killed, 310 were injured, and 151 were kidnapped, according to the study.
“Between July and September 2024, the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Human Rights Division documented 206 incidents affecting 792 civilians, of which 299 were killed, 310 injured, 151 abducted, and 32 subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV),” the party reads a statement.
The report recorded a decrease in the violence incident by four percent from 215 to 20 compared to the same reporting period in 2023.
It said although the number of civilians killed reduced by seven percent from 321 to 299, injury statistics rose by 34 percent from 231 to 310.
“On a positive note, as compared to the previous reporting period this year (April to June 2024), a 35 percent reduction in violent incidents (from 317 to 206) and a 25 percent decrease in civilian casualties (from 1,062 to 792) were recorded.”
According to the report, the highest number of victims killed and injured were documented in Warrap State, accounting for 60 percent of the total number of civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, the majority of abductions took place in Central Equatoria State, constituting 69 percent in the country; most of these victims were men.
“Notably, tensions between government security forces and National Salvation Front splinter groups continue to threaten security and protection of civilians across the Greater Equatoria region, countering the terms of the Cessation of Hostilities signed by both parties,” it said.
Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS, said, “This trend of increasing violence against women and abductions is alarming. While UNMISS continues to proactively protect civilians.”
“I call for concerted efforts by national, state, and local authorities, as well as community leaders, to resolve longstanding grievances and find locally sustainable solutions to conflict drivers,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS,” he added.
He urged the government of South Sudan to “swiftly investigate human rights violations and abuses and hold all perpetrators to account.”
