South Sudan urged to protect journalists, activists

JUBA – The United Kingdom, one of South Sudan’s most powerful friends, has urged the transitional government to protect the country’s citizens, journalists, activists and humanitarian workers, saying violations have remained despite progress made by the government to achieve peace since the signing of the revitalized peace agreement.

The call was made during South Sudan’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council today by UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley who recognized the progress made to achieve peace in South Sudan.

“We recognize the progress made by South Sudan since 2015, including through the 2018 Peace Agreement,” Amb. Manley said. However, violations and abuses, including sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, killings and attacks on freedom of expression, continue with impunity.”

The British diplomat said there is need for an urgent action from the government including to protect citizens.

“Urgent and immediate action is also needed to improve the security and humanitarian situation and the rule of law,” he said. “Protects civilians, journalists, civil society and humanitarian workers from harm and upholds freedom of assembly and expression.”

He also urged the government of South Sudan to engage “and cooperates fully with the international community, including the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, so that it can advise partners how best they can support South Sudan’s human rights priorities.”

He further urged the government to “Fully implements its Action Plan to prevent grave violations against children, including by ending the recruitment of child soldiers and helping the social reintegration of those recruited and by increasing awareness of modern slavery among the authorities.”