Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan and South Sudan.
South Sudan is at a crossroads. We regret the lack of political will that led to the election delay, prolonging instability among a population already suffering from multiple crises.
For South Sudan to overcome the serious challenges it faces, its leaders should demonstrate their determination to deliver on the agreements to which they have committed. I will make three broad points.
First, we urge the Government to publish a credible timetable for election preparations. An important first step is the commencement of voter registration.
The participation of women in decision-making and all electoral processes should be prioritised, as highlighted by the Women, Peace and Security Shared Commitment signatories in our press stake-out for this meeting.
We thank UNMISS for its work on building capacity and capability for South Sudan's electoral institutions. We call on the Government to match these efforts and provide funding for such bodies.
We again urge a review of the National Security Service Act, which allows arrests to be made without a warrant and threatens freedom of speech.
We also call on the Government to re-engage in good faith with the Kenyan-led Tumaini Initiative, to foster an inclusive peace.
Second, we underscore the importance of enabling UNMISS to fulfil its mandate, including on the protection of civilians. This year has seen an alarming increase in violent conflict incidents, including alarming instances of conflict-related sexual violence. Survivors deserve to see justice, and perpetrators must be held to account.
We note that UNMISS peacekeepers are subject to increasing obstruction in access by the Government and the South Sudan People's Defence Forces. We call on the Government to ensure all obstructions to UNMISS' work are lifted.
Third, the humanitarian situation also demands urgent attention, with nine million people in need of assistance. The situation has been made worse by the influx of over 850,000 refugees and returnees from Sudan. We welcome the assistance South Sudan has provided to those fleeing conflict.
We also note the challenges posed by recent outbreaks of infectious diseases such as cholera and the impact of climate change through extreme flooding, which continue to exacerbate the humanitarian situation, particularly for women and girls.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the next two years deliver real progress for South Sudan. As the powerful briefing by Ms Merekaje Lorna made clear, Women's meaningful participation is integral to achieving this. Thank you.
