News briefing
Translated and edited by: Committee for Justice
Geneva: March 1, 2022
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Human Rights Office issued a joint report on the clashes in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State in South Sudan, stressing that gross human rights violations were committed against civilians during fighting there.
Casualties and rape to death:
The report indicated that between June and September 2021, at least 440 civilians were killed, 18 were injured, and 74 were abducted, during clashes between the warring groups.
The report added that at least 64 civilians have been subjected to conflict-related sexual violence; Among them was a 13-year-old girl who was gang-raped to death, and nearly 80,000 were forced to flee their homes to escape the fighting. Looting and destruction of property, child conscription, attacks on protected personnel and facilities, and hate speech and incitement to violence were among the other human rights violations the investigation uncovered.
Documenting the names of perpetrators:
The report documents the names of members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A-IO), the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), led by Major General James Nando, and its affiliated militias as being responsible for these violations and abuses.
The UN Mission in South Sudan and the UN Human Rights Office called on all parties to the conflict to hold all individuals implicated in the horrific killings, rapes and kidnappings accountable.
Calls for investigation and accountability of those responsible:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said: “”Women and children who were abducted must immediately be released and reunited with their families, and survivors provided with reparations.”
Bachelet emphasized that those suspected of inciting, facilitating and aiding violence have been identified, including senior military officials, community and religious leaders, adding that “allegations against these individuals must be promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated; and perpetrators brought to justice and held accountable”
