The UN has raised serious concerns over arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan, where at least 1,140 civilians were arrested within a year, including many women and children. The report attributed these human rights violations to both governmental and non-state actors. While acknowledging some governmental reform efforts, the UN urges the release of the unjustly detained and accountability for human rights violations, stressing the importance of legal reforms ahead of upcoming elections.
The issue of arbitrary arrests and detentions remains a pressing human rights concern in South Sudan, as articulated by the United Nations Human Rights Office and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). A recent report highlighted that from January 2023 to May 2024, approximately 1,140 civilians were arbitrarily arrested, including at least 162 women and 87 children. Many of these arrests have been attributed to both state security forces and non-state armed groups, particularly in cases where women resisted forced marriages or sought divorces. The report notes a disturbing trend where individuals, including those with disabilities and political opposition members, were detained without proper charges or evidence of wrongdoing.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized that these arbitrary detentions undermine South Sudan’s efforts to reform its criminal justice system. He urged the South Sudanese authorities to release all individuals unjustly imprisoned and demanded accountability for those who perpetrate such violations. According to the report, most arrests were executed by government security agencies, notably the National Security Service and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.
Despite highlighting these violations, the report acknowledges certain governmental initiatives aimed at improving the human rights climate, such as the establishment of the Judicial Reform Committee to bolster legal aid and justice sector reforms. Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, noted the government’s willingness to conduct independent investigations into human rights abuses, calling for further support for victims and urging continued progress in justice reform and citizen participation, particularly with upcoming elections on the horizon.
The United Nations’ report sheds light on the ongoing challenges concerning human rights in South Sudan, a nation marked by years of conflict and instability. Arbitrary arrests and detentions, especially targeting vulnerable populations such as women and children, reflect a systemic problem within the state’s enforcement and judicial mechanisms. The engagement of both government and non-state actors in these violations underscores the need for comprehensive legal reforms and accountability measures that are essential for fostering a culture of respect for human rights within the country.
In conclusion, the alarming figures of arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan signify a critical human rights crisis that calls for urgent attention and action. The UN’s appeal for the release of unjustly detained individuals and the accountability of perpetrators highlights the necessity for systemic legal reforms. The ongoing governmental efforts towards judicial improvements are commendable, yet significant challenges remain. Future developments will need to prioritize safeguarding civil rights and ensuring fair participation in the democratic process as the country approaches its elections.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
