Advancing human rights in South Sudan

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• This is one of two competing resolutions on South Sudan in the same session. Although it praises the government, it is still deemed condemnatory because it directly attributes violations to the government and was rejected by South Sudan.
• The resolution renews the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan in spite of the objection of South Sudan. The African Group also regretted that there were two resolutions on South Sudan again this year.

Main Sponsors

United Kingdom, Albania, Norway, United States

Vote

Yes - 19, No - 9, Abstain - 19, Absent - 0

See Full Vote

Key Praise

• "Welcoming the convening of the first International Conference on Women’s Transformational Leadership in Juba from 13 to 15 February 2023…"
• "Welcoming the conference on transitional justice organized by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan in Mombasa, Kenya in February 2023, with the participation of the Government of South Sudan…"
• "Welcomes and expresses its appreciation to the Government of South Sudan for its continued cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the special procedures of the Human Rights Council and the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan in the fulfilment of their mandates…"

Key Criticism

• "Expressing alarm at the reports documented by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan of ongoing human rights violations and abuses by both State and non-State actors, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, pervasive sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, excessive restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in South Sudan…"
• "Notes with regret the lack of sufficient progress in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan since its signature and, while noting that many elements of the Revitalized Agreement that are critical to guaranteeing an enduring and sustainable peace in South Sudan are still to be implemented..."
• "Expresses its deep concern at the harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance of, and other attacks against, human rights defenders, members of civil society organizations, media workers and humanitarian workers, and other individuals..."
• "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."
• "Calls upon South Sudan to make further progress under the Revitalized Agreement and the road map to a peaceful and democratic end to the transition period of the Revitalized Agreement without delay…"