Human rights violations in South Sudan have reached alarming levels in recent weeks as warring military and paramilitary forces seek to achieve a decisive victory.
Since late October, the region reported that attacks against civilians, such as sexual violence against women and girls, have intensified following the escalation of fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The United Nations (UN) indicated that after the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, the Sudanese are experiencing one of the worst internal displacement crises in the world, with more than 11 million people forced to leave their homes.
Furthermore, the situation put the region and its inhabitants on the brink of famine, with warnings about a further escalation of violence continuing.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned that in the “last two weeks, the situation in the country has been marked by some of the most extreme violence since the beginning of the conflict.”
DiCarlo blamed both sides of the conflict for generating this type of conflict, adding that both sides “seem convinced they can prevail on the battlefield.”
Since October 20, around 124 civilians have been killed in central Al-Jazira state and another 135 million have fled to neighboring states, according to the UN.
Mohamed Osman of Human Rights Watch stated that the SAF and RSF “are committed to military solutions, without any genuine interest in political resolutions or even in alleviating civilian suffering.”
While Amani al-Taweel, director of the Africa program at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo, agreed with the official and mentioned that “there is no political solution on the horizon.”
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What are the most pressing human rights challenges faced by civilians in South Sudan today?
Interview: A Conversation on the Current Human Rights Crisis in South Sudan
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have an expert in international human rights and conflict resolution, Dr. Lena Juma, joining us to discuss the escalating human rights violations in South Sudan. Thank you for being here, Dr. Juma.
Dr. Lena Juma (DJ): Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that needs urgent attention.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The recent report mentions that human rights violations have reached alarming levels with increased attacks against civilians, particularly sexual violence against women and girls. What are the main drivers behind this surge in violence?
DJ: The situation in South Sudan is incredibly complex. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has created a power vacuum, leading to widespread chaos. In this environment, armed groups often target civilians to exert control and instill fear. Unfortunately, women and girls are disproportionately affected, as sexual violence is used as a weapon of war to demoralize communities.
TNE: That’s deeply troubling. You mentioned the power vacuum. How does this instability contribute to the rise in such grievous human rights abuses?
DJ: The lack of a stable governance structure means that there’s little accountability for perpetrators. When state institutions weaken, it emboldens armed factions to act with impunity. Moreover, communities that are already marginalized face greater risks as conflicts intensify. It’s a vicious cycle where the absence of security leads to more violence, particularly against vulnerable populations.
TNE: What role does the international community play in this context? Are there effective measures being taken to address these violations?
DJ: In theory, the international community has a responsibility to intervene, especially under the principle of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). However, in practice, responses have often been slow and inadequate. While there have been sanctions on certain individuals and calls for legal accountability, on-the-ground protection for civilians remains limited. Humanitarian access is often denied, and funding for relief efforts is insufficient.
TNE: Given these challenges, what can be done on the ground to protect civilians and address these human rights violations?
DJ: Firstly, immediate humanitarian intervention is crucial. Organizations must be allowed to operate freely to provide support and protection to vulnerable communities. Additionally, there should be robust international monitoring mechanisms to document violations and assist in accountability efforts. empowering local peacebuilding initiatives can foster resilience within communities, helping them organize and advocate for their rights.
TNE: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. As we look to the future, what are your hopes regarding the situation in South Sudan?
DJ: My hope is for a renewed commitment from both regional and international players to prioritize the humanitarian perspective over political interests. Sustainable peace is possible, but it requires a collaborative effort involving local voices. The people of South Sudan deserve to live without fear and to rebuild their lives.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Juma, for sharing your insights. The situation in South Sudan is dire, but conversations like this are essential to raising awareness and fostering action.
DJ: Thank you for shedding light on this issue. It’s crucial that we give a voice to the voiceless and advocate for urgent action.
TNE: We appreciate your time and expertise. Until next time, let’s continue pressing for justice and dignity for all those affected by such conflicts.