JUBA-Arbitrary arrests and detention of civilians remain a serious human rights concern in South Sudan, according to U.N. report.
A joint report released on Wednesday by the UN Human Rights Office and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed concerned over infringement of rights in conflict-weary South Sudan.
About 1,140 civilians were arbitrarily arrested and then detained for varying periods between January 2023 to May this year – among them at least 162 women and 87 children, according to the report.
Those targeted by the arrests included women and girls who had refused arranged marriages, sought divorces or had been accused of adultery.
The report, which draws on verified and documented cases of human rights violations attributed to both state security elements and non-state armed groups.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk said the victims also include persons with disabilities, who often got detained without trial.
“It is concerning that individuals have been arrested and detained – in many cases for alleged conduct that does not amount to criminal offences. Such arrests and detention practices as outlined in our report detract from South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to reform the criminal justice system and improve the protection of human rights,” Volker said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Volker said opposition party members and those perceived to be associated with them were also thrown behind bars.
“I call on the South Sudanese authorities to release all individuals arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, and to bring those responsible for such violations and abuses to justice.”
The report says most of the arrests were carried by Government security agencies, namely the National Security Service, the National Prison Service and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces.
Other arrests were carried out by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – In Opposition and the National Salvation Front armed groups, as well as on orders of state and county officials.
For his part, Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to South Sudan and Head of UNMISS urged the government investigate and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We urge them to also ensure that all victims of human rights violations and abuses receive the necessary support and reparation,” said Haysom.
Haysom said the UN remained ready to provide South Sudan with the necessary technical cooperation for prison reform, in line with the United Nations Common Position on Incarceration.
“Building on past progress, I encourage the Government to continue its efforts to address the remaining challenges and ensure that justice delivery mechanisms are independent, effective and accessible for all citizens,” he said.
He called on the government to promote and protect people’s rights to personal liberty and their civil rights, and to ensure citizens’ equal participation in public affairs in the lead up to the forthcoming elections.
