in the a statementMr Türk said he was appalled by the attacks by armed elements on civilians amid a spate of violence and urged authorities and community leaders to act urgently to end the bloodshed.
In the past four months at least 166 civilians were killedand 237 injured as clashes between armed elements and between rival militias in the community intensified.
Immediate, impartial investigation
“These killings, along with reports of gender-based violence, kidnappings, property destruction and looting, are gross human rights violations and abuses and must be stopped,” Mr. Türk said.
“It is important that the government of South Sudan promptly conducts a thorough and impartial investigation into the violence and holds those responsible accountable under international law,” he added.
Immediate, impartial investigation
“These killings, along with reports of gender-based violence, kidnappings, property destruction and looting, are serious human rights violations and abuses and must stop,” said Mr. Türk.
“It is important that the government of South Sudan conducts a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the violence and holds all those responsible accountable in accordance with international law,” he added.
Fighting has also displaced over 20,000 people and rising insecurity has hampered the delivery of urgent, life-saving humanitarian assistance.
“I call on those who continue this senseless violence lay down their arms and to enter into dialogue to address any complaint peacefully,” said Mr. Türk.
There is a risk that violence will spread
The Human Rights Commissioner also expressed serious concern that the violence could spread beyond the region and urged the authorities to do so Act quickly to de-escalate Avoiding tension and providing protection to affected communities.
He also called on community leaders and elders to use their influence on the groups involved in the violence.
Combating Human Trafficking
Meanwhile, a UN independent human rights expert called on South Sudan to step up efforts to prevent human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour, and child marriage and recruitment.
Siobhán Mullaly, Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, ended a 10-day visit to the country on Wednesday.
“At this juncture of peace-building and state-building in South Sudan, urgent action is needed to prevent human trafficking and protect survivors. especially women and childrenis crucial,” she said in a statement.
“Conflict-related sexual violence, including human trafficking, remains a major concern,” she added. “There is a need to continue paying attention to the risks children face in connection with armed groups and forces, including conflict-related sexual violence and human trafficking.”
End gender-based violence
Ms Mullaly welcomed the constructive engagement and dialogue with authorities during her visit, which included high-level meetings with government ministers and law enforcement agencies.
She also met with a range of survivors and victims of human trafficking, as well as sex workers, feminist activists, women leaders, community leaders and advocates.
The Special Rapporteur stressed the need to continue to prioritize ending sexual and gender-based violence, child and forced marriages and to promote women’s empowerment and participation in peace-building and state-building processes.
Role of UN rapporteurs
Special rapporteurs like Mrs Mullaly get their mandates from the UN Human Rights Councilbased in Geneva.
These legal experts monitor and report on specific country situations or thematic issues.
They are independent of any government or organization, act in their individual capacity and are neither UN employees nor paid for their work.
