UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan

🔵 Civilians burned alive
🔵 Children and women targeted

In , conflict in Upper Nile and Jonglei escalated sharply in 2025, spreading violence across communities and pushing the country closer to mass atrocities.

The Commission documented harrowing accounts from survivors:

▪️ Families burned alive in their homes during aerial bombardments
▪️ Civilians executed by ground forces
▪️ Children forcibly recruited into armed groups
▪️ Women and girls subjected to widespread sexual violence

As fighting intensified, over half a million people were displaced, while authorities blocked food aid to affected areas, worsening hunger and suffering.

These violations were not isolated. They reflect organized military operations and militia activity, enabled by persistent impunity.

The Commission identified armed forces and militia members responsible for gross human rights violations — yet accountability remains absent.

When perpetrators face no consequences, violence escalates and civilians pay the price.

Full Report: https://shorturl.at/WESGD
Easy-Read: https://shorturl.at/ZC2c1

🔵 Escalating violence
🔵 Civilians under attack

In , Western Equatoria remained a major conflict hotspot in 2025, where political and military struggles for power triggered ethnically targeted violence.

Clashes between SPLM-IG and SPLM/A-IO forces intensified across the year, as control shifted through force rather than negotiation – Civilians bore the brunt.

These patterns reflect a broader crisis — where political decisions, military actions, and ethnic divisions combine to drive violence.

The Commission identified commanders responsible for serious crimes — yet no one has been held accountable.

Impunity is not a by-product of conflict — it is what sustains it.

Full Analysis: https://shorturl.at/WESGD
Easy-Read: https://shorturl.at/ZC2c1

On 27 March 2026, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted by a vote draft resolution A/HRC/61/L.19 entitled "Advancing human rights in ."

The resolution welcomes the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and its presentation to the Human Rights Council during the enhanced interactive dialogue held at its 61st session https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session61/advance-version/a-hrc-61-25-auv.pdf, while expressing concern at the findings in the report and at its overall assessment regarding the current situation of human rights on the ground, and encourages the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, all parties to the conflict and other actors to engage with the Commission with a view to implementing the recommendations made in the report and to respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law in all circumstances.

The resolution takes note of the additional conference room papers published so far by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, strongly encourages the Commission to share future conference room papers with the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity in a timely manner in advance of publication, and encourages continued information sharing and dialogue with the Transitional Government as appropriate.

The Council decides to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members, for a further period of one year.

It requests the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to present a comprehensive report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan to the 64th session of the Human Rights Council (February-April 2027), to be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue, which should also include the participation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and civil society.

It also requests the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to present its latest report, in combination with an oral update on its work, to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, followed by an interactive dialogue.

It requests the United Nations Human Rights Office to provide all the administrative, technical and logistical support and personnel necessary to enable the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to carry out its mandate, and in particular to support the Commission’s investigative and evidence-collection functions, including, inter alia, the use of computer software, forensic investigation capabilities and access to witness and victim protection and support services, including psychosocial support services.

The resolution was adopted by 25 votes in favor, 4 against and 18 abstentions.

🔵 Airstrikes near Juba
🔵 Hospital bombed

Further investigations by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan document how aerial attacks escalated in 2025.

On 24 March 2025, government and Ugandan forces launched airstrikes just 15 kilometres west of Juba, targeting an SPLM/A-IO cantonment site. Eyewitnesses reported aircraft dropping barrels filled with flammable liquid, igniting fires that engulfed homes and surrounding areas.

Evidence analysed by the Commission — including flight data, surveillance imagery, troop movements, and public statements by military leaders — indicates joint planning and authorization at senior levels.

Weeks later, on 3 May 2025, helicopters struck Old Fangak in Jonglei, hitting a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital, a market, and public offices.

The attack:
• Destroyed the hospital pharmacy and medical supplies
• Killed many and injured 27
• Triggered mass displacement, with over 110,000 civilians fleeing

Hospitals are protected under international law.
Yet nobody has been held accountable for these attacks.

Airstrikes against civilians and medical facilities are grave violations of international law.

Full Analysis: https://shorturl.at/WESGD
Easy-Read: https://shorturl.at/ZC2c1

🔵 Airstrikes across 7 states
🔵 Civilians under fire

In , the Commission documented government-led airstrikes across seven states in 2025, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict.

We analysed images of victims and attack sites, corroborated by witness testimonies. Evidence shows the use of multiple aircraft and weapons systems, including heavy machine guns and improvised incendiary devices.

Containers of flammable materials were dropped from aircraft, igniting fires that burned homes, buildings, and civilians. Many victims suffered severe burns consistent with prolonged exposure to intense heat.

These attacks:
▪️ Targeted civilian areas
▪️ Damaged hospitals and infrastructure
▪️ Displaced over half a million people

The scale and coordination of these operations — involving helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and ground forces — indicate high-level planning and authorization.

Airstrikes against civilians are grave violations of international law and demand accountability.

A distinguished son of South Africa, Fink’s legacy will endure — strengthening our resolve to continue the pursuit of peace, justice, dignity, accountability, and a sustainable future for

May he now find eternal rest after a life of extraordinary service

United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

🔵 Peace unravelling
🔵 Conflict spreading

In , 2025 marked a dangerous return toward large-scale conflict.

The Commission’s investigation shows how a fragile peace agreement is being steadily dismantled:

▪️ Power-sharing arrangements fractured, with opposition leaders detained and political authority increasingly centralized.
▪️ Violence escalated, including fighting in Upper Nile and attacks involving airstrikes and armed mobilization.
▪️ Regional dynamics intensified, with foreign forces entering the conflict and cross-border tensions rising.
▪️ Economic mismanagement and corruption deepened instability, diverting resources away from essential services.
▪️ Civilians paid the highest price, facing displacement, sexual violence, food insecurity, and worsening humanitarian conditions.

By the end of 2025, the risk of a return to full-scale war had become increasingly visible.

Without urgent action to restore dialogue, accountability, and protection of civilians, South Sudan’s fragile peace may collapse.

🔵 Peace deal collapsing
🔵 Civilians paying the price

Our latest inquiry report shows how ’s fragile peace agreement is rapidly unraveling.

The Commission’s investigation documents:
▪️ Escalating conflict and airstrikes targeting civilian areas
▪️ Mass displacement, forced recruitment of boys and widespread sexual violence
▪️ Politicized arrests and prosecutions of opposition leaders
▪️ Stalled transitional justice measures
▪️ Grand corruption diverting national wealth, while citizens face growing hardship

Ten years after the peace agreement framework was created, the failure to implement key reforms has entrenched impunity, instability, and human rights violations.

Peace in South Sudan requires justice, accountability, and leadership.

📖 Easy-Read Summary: https://shorturl.at/ZC2c1
📄 Full Report: https://shorturl.at/WESGD

Our latest inquiry report finds that political and military leaders are systematically dismantling the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, undermining governance and security safeguards, and exposing civilians to grave risks.

The report warns that senior political and military officials may bear individual criminal responsibility, including under the doctrine of command responsibility.

Without urgent course correction, South Sudan risks state failure, renewed mass violence, and further regional destabilization.

The window to prevent catastrophe is closing fast.

To read in full : shorturl.at/WESGD
For Easy-Read: shorturl.at/ZC2c1

Briefing the Human Rights Council Presidency

Today, we engaged in a constructive discussion with Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, President of the UN Human Rights Council, on the escalating crisis, deteriorating human rights situation in South Sudan and the key findings of our forthcoming annual inquiry report.

Ahead of its release tomorrow at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, we outlined the report’s key findings and its recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting civilians, and preventing further escalation.

Ensuring that Member States are fully apprised ahead of the Council’s deliberations remains essential.

South Sudan is at an acute moment of danger.

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a stark warning over inflammatory rhetoric by senior military figures and reports of force mobilisation, particularly in Jonglei State, which significantly heighten the risk of mass violence against civilians and further erode the peace agreement