Human Rights Council 61st Session
Item 2 - Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on report of Commission of
Human Rights in South Sudan
Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
27 February 2026
President,
On behalf of the Nordic Baltic States, I thank the High Commissioner and the Commission for their report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan.
Intensifying violence across South Sudan is deepening an already dire humanitarian situation, placing civilians at heightened risk and driving increased displacement, food insecurity and protection needs. Immediate action is necessary to address the prevalent conflict related sexual and gender-based violence.
Widespread gross human rights violations are driven by deepened impunity as the 2018 peace agreement continues to be undermined. The report clearly outlines that avoiding a return to full-fledged civil war in South Sudan depends on urgently dismantling entrenched impunity, ending the capture and militarization of State institutions and the economy by political and military elites and advancing a legitimate, inclusive political order through genuine and inclusive political dialogue.
We encourage continued engagement between the government of South Sudan and the Commission to implement the recommendations made in the report. In this regard, the work of the Commission remains ever more important. We urge all states to support the mandate renewal.
In conclusion, I ask: what can partners do to ensure renewed regional and international engagement to ensure a return to inclusive transition?
I thank you.