Top German rights official visits South Sudan

JUBA, APRIL 11, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – German Federal Commissioner for Human Rights Policy, Luise Amtsberg, will today arrive in South Sudan for talks with government officials and civil society representatives in a visit aimed at assessing the human rights situation in the country.

In statements just prior to her departure to the restive East African county, Amtsberg said she would be visiting projects being undertaken by the German government to improve human rights situation in South Sudan.

“Following this visit, I will travel on to the world’s youngest state, South Sudan, to focus attention on one of the forgotten crises of our age,” said Amtsberg prior to her departure.

“The country is still ravaged by conflict and violence. I will hold talks and visit projects on the ground to gain an overview of the difficult human rights situation as well as the significant humanitarian need in the country,” she added.

According to the United Nations, three-quarters of the population of South Sudan is dependent on humanitarian assistance, and the impact of the climate crisis is exacerbating displacement and food insecurity.

Amtsberg said that her visit to the restive East African country is aimed at helping South Sudan’s people and civil society make their voices heard, highlighting the many challenges and issues faced by the country that are often overlooked.

German is a long-standing South Sudan friend who – alongside the US, Canada, UK, and Norway – have given millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to South Sudan. They have also played the vital role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Government sources in Juba are telling Sudans Post that there are plans for Amtsberg to meet with senior government officials including President Salva Kiir, to gain an overview of the difficult human rights situation in the country.

She will also visit local projects, particularly those concerning human rights and humanitarian aid, as well as meet with representatives from the UN and NGOs.

By engaging in robust discussions with political leaders and civil society representatives, Amtsberg hopes to gain insight into the situation on the ground and identify ways to improve the situation for all, especially vulnerable groups like women and children.