Geneva, 1 April 2025
Mr. President,
The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the High Commissioner for the report and commend OHCHR’s continuous assistance for South Sudan in the field of human rights.
We welcome the progress in the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority, and urge the Government of South Sudan to intensify its efforts to establish the Hybrid Court.
We are deeply alarmed by the recent violence and escalating political tensions that threatens to further destabilize South Sudan. Furthermore, the continued narrowing of civic and political space, arbitrary detentions, torture, executions and the lack of effective accountability mechanisms for human rights violations and abuses in the country remain of grave concern.
We call on all parties to refrain from further violence and return to rule of law, respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and full implementation of Chapter V of the Revitalized Peace Agreement on transitional justice.
We also urge the Government to take immediate prevention and response measures to address conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure accountability for all perpetrators.
High Commissioner, what further steps can be taken to strengthen transitional justice mechanisms and enhance capacity of the state and civil society actors of South Sudan in addressing human rights challenges in the country?
I thank you!