The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is set to undertake its 14th visit to the country from September 7 to 10, amid renewed armed conflict, rising political tensions and growing concerns over the protection of civilians.
The visit comes as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011, with concerns mounting over the country’s political transition and the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, or R-ARCSS.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Yasmin Sooka, will lead the delegation alongside Commissioners Barney Afako and Carlos Castresana Fernández.
During the four-day visit, the Commissioners are expected to meet government officials, political and security actors, civil society representatives, victims and survivors, humanitarian organizations, international partners, jurists and other stakeholders.
The delegation will assess the country’s evolving human rights, humanitarian, political and security situation, including the impact of renewed fighting, displacement and what the Commission describes as the continued erosion of the peace agreement.
The Commissioners will also examine conditions surrounding the country’s political transition and the preparations for a peaceful, inclusive and credible democratic process.
As part of the mission, the delegation will engage directly with communities affected by conflict and other human rights violations to gather first-hand information.
The Commission says information collected during the visit will contribute to its report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and support efforts to prevent human rights violations and atrocity crimes, promote accountability and contribute to sustainable peace in South Sudan.
The Commissioners are scheduled to hold a press conference in Juba on September 10, where they will present their preliminary observations and conclusions from the mission. The time and venue for the press conference will be announced separately.
