Item 2 - Enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights on advancing the human rights in South Sudan. NB8 Norway (7.03.2023)

I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries [Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Norway]. We thank the Commission for its work in South Sudan.

Political violence and insecurity continue to be fundamental obstacles to improving the human rights situation. We regret that the extension of the Peace Agreement has not been accompanied by a renewed sense of urgency in its implementation.  

As a result, human rights violations and abuses, such as arbitrary and extrajudicial killings, abductions, conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on humanitarian workers continue with impunity. We urge the parties to make immediate progress on security arrangements, transitional justice and rule of law.

We are also deeply concerned by large-scale diversion of public revenues, which undermines South Sudan’s ability to fulfill its human rights obligations. We urge the government to strengthen its financial management systems and use more of its own resources to address the needs of its people.

Finally, a strong UN human rights monitoring mechanism is still needed. We urge the government to continue its history of cooperation with the Commission.

Thank you.