STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 49th Session.
Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries
(Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden)
Check against delivery
18 March 2022
President,
I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries. We thank the Commission for its work in South Sudan.
Violence and insecurity continue to be fundamental obstacles to improving the human rights situation. Some steps have been taken by the Government in implementing the Peace Agreement, but progress falls well below expectations and agreed timelines due to lack of political will.
As a result, human rights violations, and abuses, such as extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions, 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, rule of law and other provisions of the Revitalized Agreement.
We are also deeply concerned by undue restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly by the Government, especially considering the forthcoming electoral process. The government must show their commitment to civil and political rights by allowing peaceful public discourse to take place.
Finally, a strong UN human rights monitoring mechanism is still needed. We believe the Human Rights Commission plays a vital role in that regard and urge the government to continue its history of cooperation with the Commission.
My question would be:
How can the work of the Commission best contribute to the establishmenet of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Hybrid Court?
Thank you.