2 March 2026 13:27 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says South Sudan human rights deteriorated in 2025

Key points

Calls to renew the Commission’s mandate in full
Urges ceasefire, humanitarian access, and upholding international law

TL;DR

UK Government, on behalf of the Core Group for South Sudan (Albania, Norway, Ireland and the United Kingdom), says the Commissioners' report depicts a grave deterioration in South Sudan’s human rights and security in 2025, citing renewed largescale conflict, unprecedented aerial bombardments in multiple states, mass displacement, targeting of civilians, forced recruitment of boys and young men, widespread sexual violence by all parties, detentions and prosecutions of opposition leaders, judicial interference, and attempts to undermine the Revitalised Agreement; it urges all parties to cease hostilities, ensure humanitarian access, uphold international law, renew the Commission’s mandate in full this session, and establish the Hybrid Court to address impunity.

Original text

Thank you, Mr President. I deliver this statement on behalf of the Core Group for South Sudan: Albania, Norway, Ireland and the United Kingdom. We thank the Commissioners for their report. Its findings depict a grave deterioration in South Sudan’s human rights and security situation throughout 2025. We are deeply concerned by evidence of renewed largescale conflict, unprecedented aerial bombardments in multiple states, mass displacement, and the continued targeting of civilians. The forced recruitment of boys and young men, and the widespread use of sexual violence by all parties, are particularly alarming. The detentions and prosecutions of opposition leaders, alongside interference in the judiciary and attempts to undermine the Revitalised Agreement, erode constitutional order and threaten further instability. Such actions are incompatible with credible, peaceful and inclusive elections in 2026. The report makes clear that transparency, resourcing and genuine political will remain lacking when it comes to establishing transitional justice institutions. The Hybrid Court, in particular, is urgently needed to address entrenched impunity. The Revitalized Agreement continues to provide the only current basis for transitional government legitimacy. We urge all parties to cease hostilities, ensure humanitarian access, and uphold international law. The Commission’s mandate remains indispensable and must be renewed in full this session. Thank you.

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