GENEVA – The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday extended the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights Council in South Sudan for a year.
One decision and 13 resolutions were adopted, extending mandates on South Sudan, the human right to a clean environment, the right to privacy and on cultural rights.
The approval will see the three-member commission operate until April 2025.
“The Human Rights Council this afternoon adopted one decision and 13 resolutions, extending mandates on South Sudan, the human right to a clean environment, the right to privacy, and on cultural rights,” the Council said in a statement.
“In a resolution on advancing human rights in South Sudan, adopted by a vote of 21 in favour, 8 against and 18 abstentions, the Council decided to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members, for a further period of one year,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Council requested the Commission to present a comprehensive written report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan to the Council at its 58th session and is to be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue.
“The Council decided to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for a period of three years, and requested the Special Rapporteur to conduct country visits and to submit an annual report, including conclusions and recommendations, to the Council and the General Assembly,” the Council further stated.
The Council, the statement noted, also decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy for a period of three years and called on all States to assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of the mandate.
“The Council adopted a decision to postpone and reschedule the implementation of certain activities mandated by the Council that could not be implemented in 2024 owing to the current liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations Secretariat,” it stressed.
Established in 2016 as an independent body mandated by the Council, Commission is tasked to investigate the situation of human rights in South Sudan and make recommendations to prevent the deterioration of the situation.