By Bida Elly David
United Nations Commission for Human Rights urges South Sudan to respect rights of the people and expedite implementation of peace agreement.
Chairperson of United Nations Commission for Human Rights Commission on South Sudan, Mrs. Yasmin Sooka made the call, on Tuesday.
Mrs. Sooka was meeting South Sudan minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Dr. James Pitia Morgan, at his office in Juba.
A statement from office of the minister indicated that the meeting aimed at addressing concerns raised in the UN Human Rights Report regarding the situation in South Sudan.
It also focused on transitional justice and strengthening the judicial system, particularly in promoting civic and political space and combating sexual violence.
According to the statement, Mrs. Sooka said implementing the agreement will keep citizens away from risks.
“The UN Commissioner acknowledged that the meeting helped clarify misconceptions and recognized the government’s commitment to enhancing human rights issues in the country,” the statement from the foreign affairs stated.
Mrs. Sooka stressed the importance of implementing the provisions of Chapter 5 in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which play a significant role in building institutions and improving human rights.
She commended the foreign affairs minister for his openness and expressed gratitude for the constructive dialogue.
On his part, Minister James Pitia Morgan also highlighted the historical context of South Sudan as a young democracy emerging from colonization with slow transformation to reach a positive level.
He said South Sudan will continue to engage in constructive dialogue on human rights with the UN Commission on Human Rights to ensure human rights respect across the country.
During the discussion, Morgan further provided a comprehensive account of the government’s stance on the report against South Sudan’s human rights violations.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the human rights landscape in South Sudan and acknowledged certain disagreements and concerns regarding factual issues presented in the report.
The foreign affairs minister reaffirmed President Kiir’s commitment to peace and expressed willingness to cooperate with the UN Commission on Human Rights inquiries.
In September, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) issued a report saying that at least 44,000 people were displaced, 173 unarmed civilians were killed, 131 women were raped or gang raped, and at least 12 people sustained serious injuries.