Sudan holds massive political ‘workshops’, embarks on new transition phase, Security Council hears

Sudan holds massive political ‘workshops’, embarks on new transition phase, Security Council hears

“Today, we are the closest we have been to a solution, although challenges remain,” said Volker Perthes, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sudan and head of the UN’s transition assistance mission in the country, known as UNITAMS.  Landmark agreement  Mr. Perthes recalled his last briefing to the Council, on 8 December, when he welcomed the…

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South Sudan: Violence against civilians ticks up despite fall in attacks overall

South Sudan: Violence against civilians ticks up despite fall in attacks overall

Overall levels of documented violent incidents rose by 27 per cent, from 714 recorded acts of violence in 2021, to 982 last year. 2022 was marked by three distinct surges of violence, the UNMISS report said: between April and May, in southern Unity State; between July and September, in Warrap State; and between August and December, in the…

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Impunity drives cycles of ‘horrific’ crimes in South Sudan, Human Rights Council hears

Impunity drives cycles of ‘horrific’ crimes in South Sudan, Human Rights Council hears

“It is hard to imagine peace while State actors continue to be involved in gross human rights violations,” said Commission member Barney Afako, presenting the latest report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. “A true demonstration of the Government’s stated commitments to peace and human rights would involve dismissing the responsible officials and initiating…

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Rights experts say peaceful transition in South Sudan crucial, amid ‘immense suffering’

Rights experts say peaceful transition in South Sudan crucial, amid ‘immense suffering’

“The suffering across the country remains immense,” Commissioner Barney Afako said at a press conference in Juba, the capital. “South Sudanese women and girls continue to face unspeakable sexual violence.” On the penultimate day of a five-day visit, the Commission took stock of reports from civil society and stakeholders in Juba and Upper Nile state,…

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Peace in South Sudan hinges on local accountability, landmark Peacebuilding Commission meeting hears

Peace in South Sudan hinges on local accountability, landmark Peacebuilding Commission meeting hears

“Our priority in 2023 is to take a ‘peace to people’ approach with the Government’s facilitation,” Stephen Par Kuol, Minister of Peacebuilding of South Sudan, told the Commission, via video link. Addressing the ambassadorial-level meeting on building peace in communities through local governance and community reconciliation in South Sudan, he said efforts included tackling such…

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Sudan: Progress in Darfur militia leader trial, but Government cooperation wanes

Sudan: Progress in Darfur militia leader trial, but Government cooperation wanes

Presenting his latest report, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan updated ambassadors on proceedings against Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as “Ali Kushayb”, charged with 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.  These atrocities were allegedly committed during the Darfur conflict which began in 2003, pitting Sudanese Government forces, backed by militia groups known…

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