Statement by Ambassador Hans Brattskar at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council. Item 4 – Interactive Dialogue with the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. Delivered at 9 March 2020.
The statement was delivered on behalf of the nordic countries: Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland and Norway.
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Madame President,
I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries.
We welcome the decision by the Parties to the Revitalized Agreement to form the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and encourage the swift appointment of the remaining cabinet posts. Now South Sudan has a new chance to leave behind war and conflict and move towards inclusive development.
However, the Nordic countries remain deeply concerned by reports of human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan including recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as abduction and killing of civilians. Continued curtailment of freedom of expression and of opinion are also of deep concern.
The Government of South Sudan has the primary responsibility to protect its population from violations of human rights. Yet, all armed groups are responsible for grave violations or abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to use the new political momentum to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Nordic countries encourages the government of South Sudan to assist the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the special procedures and the Commission on Human Rights in the fulfilment of their mandates.
We strongly urge the Government of South Sudan to support the extension of the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. Constructive collaboration in this important area will be a positive step in the implementation of the peace agreement.
Thank you.