2 March 2026 13:19 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says South Sudan crisis demands accountability

Key points

Condemns Pankur killings and calls for investigations and accountability
Will press for accountability, protect civic space, and support regional efforts

TL;DR

Lists widespread abuses in South Sudan: renewed conflict, indiscriminate aerial bombardment, forced recruitment, systematic sexual violence, communities burned, children abducted, obstructed humanitarian access, and growing famine risk.
Warns that attempts to amend the Peace Agreement and failure to establish the Hybrid Court risk undermining justice and pushing South Sudan back toward war; calls for full investigations and accountability.

Original text

Thank you, Mr President. We thank the Commission for your report, and we agree with you it paints a stark and troubling picture. The suffering endured by the people of South Sudan is indefensible. As the High Commissioner said, the warning light is flashing red. We are seeing: renewed conflict, indiscriminate aerial bombardment, forced recruitment, and systematic sexual violence as a weapon of war. Communities are burned from their homes, children abducted, and humanitarian access obstructed as famine risks grow. This is not the path of a country on the way to meaningful elections. We condemn the 21 February killing of civilians in Pankur and remind the transitional government that such attacks may constitute war crimes. Full investigations and accountability are essential. We remain gravely concerned by politically motivated detentions and prosecutions of opposition leaders. Attempts to amend the Peace Agreement risk fatally undermining it and only push South Sudan back towards war. The transitional government’s failure to establish the Hybrid Court leaves victims without justice and perpetrators emboldened. The UK stands with the people of South Sudan. We will continue to press for accountability, protect civic space, and support regional efforts to prevent further atrocities. Commissioners: what should the international community prioritise to help reduce harm to civilians? Thank you.

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Pankur