A UN report reveals ongoing arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan, with over 1,140 civilians affected from January 2023 to May 2024, including women and children. Many arrests are executed without proper cause, undermining human rights reforms. The report emphasizes the need for systemic changes in South Sudan’s justice system to ensure accountability and protect civil liberties.
Arbitrary arrests and detentions of civilians in South Sudan remain a significant human rights issue, as noted in a joint statement from the United Nations Human Rights Office and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). A report released recently indicates that from January 2023 to May 2024, over 1,140 individuals were subjected to such actions, including at least 162 women and 87 children. The UN documented instances where women faced unlawful detentions due to resistance against arranged marriages or seeking divorce, highlighting gender-based abuse as a means of control.
The report emphasizes that many individuals, often without any criminal charges, have been detained, including those with disabilities and members of political opposition. Disturbingly, it cites that numerous detainments were for actions that do not constitute crimes, undermining South Sudan’s attempts to reform its justice system. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern over these practices, which impede ongoing efforts to enhance human rights protections in the country.
Notably, the majority of arrests were executed by government security forces, including the National Security Service, with additional detentions carried out by opposition armed groups. Nevertheless, the UN recognizes the South Sudanese government’s attempts to ameliorate the human rights landscape, such as the establishment of the Judicial Reform Committee and the deployment of mobile courts. The government has shown a willingness to investigate allegations of human rights violations and to hold accountable those who perpetrate such abuses.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to South Sudan, commended the government’s commitment to justice but urged broader protections of civil liberties leading up to the upcoming elections. The UN remains available to assist South Sudan with necessary reforms in its incarceration practices, reinforcing the importance of an effective justice system for all citizens.
The ongoing issue of arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan is rooted in the broader context of human rights challenges in the country. Since its independence, South Sudan has faced several operational difficulties, including conflicts that have led to human rights abuses. The UN has been monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in South Sudan to advocate for the protection of freedoms and legal accountability. The recent report highlights the prevalence of detentions carried out without just cause and the targeting of specific groups such as women and political dissenters, reinforcing the need for systemic reform in the justice sector.
In summary, the United Nations’ recent report underscores a concerning trend of arbitrary arrests and detentions in South Sudan, particularly impacting vulnerable populations. While the government has taken steps towards legal reform and expressed a commitment to investigating abuses, the situation reflects persistent challenges in safeguarding human rights. Ongoing support and reforms are essential to creating an independent and effective justice delivery system, ensuring protection for all citizens in South Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
