Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 27, 2026 Peace and security
South Sudan's political and military leadership is deliberately violating the 2018 updated peace agreements, thereby pushing the country toward full-scale war. This was the warning of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, which presented its new report on Friday.
The Commission stated that government forces in South Sudan are committing extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate airstrikes against homes and medical facilities, and the abduction and forced recruitment of adolescents. These actions, Commission Chairperson Yasmin Sooka emphasized, may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The investigation covers events since 2025 and identifies "disturbing new trends." According to the Commission, armed groups affiliated with the country's ruling party are primarily responsible for attacks, often targeting communities and individuals considered political opponents by the authorities.
The position of the UN Human Rights Chief
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for his part, warned on Friday of a rapidly deteriorating situation in South Sudan. Volker Türk called the events in that country "one of the world's forgotten crises" and stated that the human rights early warning system is "flashing red."
According to Türk, the country is at a dangerous juncture: escalating violence is occurring amid growing uncertainty about the country's political future. Over the past three months, government and opposition forces, along with their allied armed groups, have attacked residential areas in seven states. In northern Jonglei State alone, more than 280,000 people were forced to flee after homes, schools, and health facilities came under fire.
In January, the situation worsened: the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented the deaths of 189 civilians, and the overall number of violations increased by 45 percent compared to December.
Attacks on civilians
Türk reported a sharp increase in indiscriminate attacks, including airstrikes, targeted killings, kidnappings, and conflict-related sexual violence. He emphasized that such actions raise serious questions under international law.
Turk was particularly outraged by a recent incident in Ayod County, Jonglei State, where, according to eyewitnesses, government forces and allied armed forces gathered villagers in one place and then opened fire on the crowd, killing 21 unarmed people, including women and children.
"Military discipline appears to have collapsed," Turk said, noting that both government and opposition forces are demonstrating "almost complete disregard for the protection of civilians."
Rising numbers of murders, kidnappings and sexual violence
Amid the escalation in 2025, the death toll and injuries in South Sudan rose by 40 percent, exceeding 5,100. Among the dead were two UN staff members.
OHCHR documented more than 250 cases of sexual violence against women and girls, as well as 550 abductions of civilians committed by armed groups.
Hate speech and pressure on civic space
Türk warned of a rise in hate speech and calls for violence against entire communities. In one audio recording, verified by a UN mission, a high-ranking military officer calls for "no one to be spared" and for the destruction of civilian property.
At the same time, pressure on civil society is intensifying: South Sudan's National Security Service censors the media, monitors activists and journalists, and intimidates human rights defenders. Over the past year, 27 cases of intimidation and arbitrary arrests have been documented, affecting 62 people, including 28 women.
Türk recalled that open civic space is a key condition for the constitutional process, transitional justice, and the holding of free and inclusive elections.
The need for accountability and reform
The High Commissioner emphasized that peace is impossible without accountability for serious violations. He welcomed the government's steps to establish a "Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Commission" and a body responsible for compensation and reparations, but noted that these structures must now be transformed into truly functioning institutions.
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