Advocacy groups are calling on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to step up efforts in monitoring and investigating ongoing human rights violations and breaches of humanitarian law in the country.
Two leading civil society organizations, the Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA) and the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), have urged UNMISS to collaborate closely with key peace-monitoring mechanisms to access and assess conflict-affected areas effectively.
Central to their joint appeal, made on Saturday, is the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC). The groups are calling on these entities to work alongside the UN Human Rights Office to ensure comprehensive investigations into rights violations.
“We urge the UN mission to support and facilitate the efforts of CTSAMVM, RJMEC, and other implementation mechanisms to visit areas affected by bombardments,” the statement read.
The organizations also appealed to the UN to encourage signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to uphold their commitments and engage in renewed dialogue aimed at resolving ongoing tensions.
“We urge the UN mission in South Sudan to be bold and proactive in fulfilling its mandate during this extension period,” the groups emphasized, noting that local communities continue to suffer from conflict-related violence.
This appeal follows the United Nations Security Council’s decision on May 8, 2025, to extend the UNMISS mandate until April 30, 2026, a move welcomed by civil society actors.
“This extension has rekindled hope among the civilian population, who are grappling with numerous challenges,” the advocacy groups said, “We warmly welcome the mandate and its priorities. South Sudanese citizens are suffering and dying due to ongoing government bombardments, particularly in targeted counties and other areas of Central Equatoria.”
Both PAPA and CPA stressed the need for stronger coordination between UNMISS and civil society groups to enhance the documentation and reporting of human rights abuses perpetrated by both state and non-state actors.
“The protection of civilians must be at the center of all efforts,” the statement concluded, urging UNMISS to take a proactive stance in enforcing its renewed mandate.
