UN Human Rights Commission to Visit South Sudan Amid Rising Conflict
Credit: Sudans Post
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan will undertake its 14th visit to the country from Sept. 7 to 10 as concerns grow over renewed armed conflict, political tensions and risks to civilians.
The commission said Friday that the visit comes as South Sudan moves toward its first national elections since gaining independence in 2011.
Commission Chairperson Yasmin Sooka will lead the mission, joined by Commissioners Barney Afako and Carlos Castresana Fernández.
During the visit, the commissioners are expected to meet government officials, political and security actors, civil society representatives, victims and survivors, humanitarian and international partners, lawyers and other stakeholders.
The commission said it will assess the evolving human rights, humanitarian, political and security situation, including the impact of renewed fighting and displacement.
It will also examine developments affecting South Sudan’s political transition and the conditions needed for a peaceful, inclusive and credible democratic process.
The mission will engage directly with affected communities to gather firsthand information relevant to the commission’s mandate. Its findings will contribute to the commission’s reporting to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva and efforts to prevent human rights violations and atrocity crimes, promote accountability and support sustainable peace.
The commissioners are scheduled to hold a news conference in Juba on Sept. 10 to present preliminary observations and conclusions from the visit. The time and venue will be announced separately.
The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body established by the U.N. Human Rights Council in March 2016. Its mandate has been renewed annually.
