UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO & UN, Simon Manley.
Thank you Mr Vice President.
And thank you to the commission and the ASG for their poignant interventions today. Your ongoing work is vital to securing long-term peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.
We also welcome the presence of the Honourable Justice Minister of South Sudan.
Mr President, as this report makes clear, the human rights situation in South Sudan remains grave. Violence continues to escalate. Elections have been delayed. Media freedom is severely restricted. And journalists are being arbitrarily detained under the National Security Service Bill.
We are particularly concerned by appalling reports of conflict-related sexual violence. Victims being left without access to essential medical care or recourse to justice. The Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill, drafted five years ago, must be put into full and immediate action.
What we've read and heard underlines why we need to maintain this Council's attention on South Sudan, and why the work of the Commission must continue. It is essential to achieving the inclusive, democratic future promised to the people of South Sudan. The Commission's robust scrutiny of South Sudan's human rights situation must continue.
Commissioners, what more can the international community do to help South Sudan end this devastating cycle of conflict-related sexual violence?
Thank you.
