STATEMENT
40th UPR Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in South Sudan, as delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway in Geneva.
Check against delivery
31 January 2022
President,
Norway welcomes South Sudan’s participation in the UPR process and notes the positive steps taken, including the commitment to prevent the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups.
We are, however, concerned by recent interference with freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, especially in light of the planned elections in 2023. We regret that implementation of the 35 per cent quota for women in decision-making bodies is lacking.
Norway recommends that South Sudan:
First, takes concrete steps to ensure freedom of expression and assembly, and immediately puts an end to the harassment, unlawful detainment and intimidation of journalists and civil society actors by the national security services;
Second, fully implements the provision that guarantees 35 % representation of women in decision-making processes, as stipulated in the revitalised peace agreement;
Third, ratifies the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
Fourth, continues to cooperate with the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and the OHCHR.
Thank you.