The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan met with representatives of the government, the security sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to assess the dire situation in the country. The visit highlighted serious threats to human rights protection and human life in South Sudan. There has been a huge increase in serious violence against children, air strikes in 70% of the states, repeated cases of sexual and gender-based violence, and the persecution and detention of opposition leaders. Added to all this, is the deteriorating economic and political situation facing a country that is now on the brink of collapse.
Across the country, 6 million people are suffering from acute malnutrition, the local population’s water supplies are inadequate, and sanitation facilities are extremely limited. In certain areas, the entire population relies on contaminated water. These sanitary conditions heighten the already high risk of contracting and spreading diseases such as cholera and hepatitis. Furthermore, since the start of the war in Sudan in 2023, millions of people have sought refuge in South Sudan. Currently, many South Sudanese are fleeing to Ethiopia, where some areas are hosting over 450,000 South Sudanese refugees.
In Jonglei, Juba Unity and Upper Nile States, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) are engaged in ongoing hostilities across multiple states, with territorial control shifting frequently.
The Commission also noted a significant lack of progress, compared to its 2025 report, in the fight against corruption, impunity and the misuse of public resources. In fact, corruption and impunity continue to pose a major obstacle to peace and security in the country. These findings raise concerns about the upcoming elections - the first since independence - which, however, would lack essential safeguards.
The Commission Members emphasized that, at a time marked by enormous humanitarian needs and a persistent shortage of funds and support for humanitarian operations, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) plays a crucial role in safeguarding humanitarian rights and upholding human dignity in the country. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan operates to protect civilians, facilitate the safest delivery of humanitarian aid, promote human rights and build a lasting peace. Around 12,000 peacekeepers are serving with the UNMISS under mandate of the UN Security Council through monitoring, investigating and reporting on human rights violations, carrying out peace-building activities on the ground in collaboration with local stakeholders, safeguarding respect for human life and supporting the peaceful process of upholding agreements.
The combined effects of civil war, rising corruption, high rates of murder, rape, kidnapping, and violence - as well as the lack of accountability - have brought the country to the brink of collapse. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights calls for effective and immediate action, urging the South Sudanese government and all political and armed actors to take immediate steps to de-scalate tensions and protect civilians.
