The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has demanded the immediate de-escalation of fighting across the country, warning that renewed hostilities are placing civilians at grave risk and further undermining the already fragile peace process.
In a statement, the Commission expressed deep alarm over the deteriorating political and security situation, citing intensified violence, including airstrikes and ground operations in civilian-populated areas.
It said the continued escalation reflects a dangerous erosion of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and threatens to plunge the country into another cycle of widespread violence.
The Commission stressed that the protection of civilians is a binding obligation under international law and condemned indiscriminate attacks, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and actions that force communities to flee their homes without access to food, shelter, or medical care.
It warned that such conduct may amount to serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
To prevent further deterioration, the Commission outlined a set of urgent demands, calling for:
Immediate political de-escalation and a return to, and full implementation of, the Revitalized Peace Agreement;
An immediate halt to all airstrikes and military operations in civilian areas;
Unconditional, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, including medical evacuations;
Urgent de-escalation measures to prevent the further spread of the conflict;
Accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law;
Renewed regional and international engagement to ensure a return to an inclusive political transition.
The Commission further urged regional and international partners to intensify coordinated diplomatic engagement to help stabilize the situation, prevent further violence, and push South Sudan’s leaders back toward consensus-based politics.
It emphasized that civilian protection and humanitarian access must be treated as non-negotiable priorities.
“South Sudan’s people cannot continue to pay the price yet again for political and military failure,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. “Every violation further dismantles the peace agreement and deepens human suffering. The fighting must stop now; civilians must be protected. The parties must return without delay to the commitments they made to peace.”
The Commission warned that without immediate de-escalation and renewed political engagement, the ongoing violence risks reversing hard-won gains and inflicting yet another devastating chapter on the long-suffering people of South Sudan.
