South Sudan rejects draft resolution to appoint human rights special rapporteur

July 1, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has urged the international community to withdraw a draft resolution aiming to appoint a special rapporteur to monitor and report on human rights in South Sudan.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday the South Sudanese foreign ministry said a draft proposition to appoint the human rights rapporteur was submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva by the Troika countries and the European Union .

The sponsors of the draft resolution several times supported calls to release a report by the African Union Commission of inquiry on South Sudan, saying its publication is necessary to ensure that such violence against civilians cannot be undertaken with impunity.

“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan is perturbed by the proposition and having considered the gravity of this proposal carefully, wishes to vehemently register its objection (to the appointment of the special rapporteur),” said the foreign ministry.

Juba government reiterated that such demarche by the main sponsors of the IGAD-brokered peace process would negatively impact the ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the country.

“The government therefore appeals to Troïka and EU to withdraw this resolution. What South Sudan needs is support from Troïka, EU and the entire international community to reach peace settlement at the early possible time, and not to impose sanctions or appointing a special rapporteur,” emphasised the foreign ministry.

The statement enumerated the steps and measures adopted by the government to ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms, pointing that the new state is a multiparty democracy and the rights and freedoms are enshrined in the South Sudanese transitional constitution.

In a report about the human rights situation released on Tuesday 30 June, the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) accused the South Sudanese army of committing widespread human rights abuses, including the alleged raping and immolation of women and girls.

UNMISS head, Ellen Margrethe Løj, called on the SPLA to allow UN human rights investigators to access the sites of the alleged atrocities.

“Revealing the truth of what happened offers the best hope for ensuring accountability for such terrible violence and ending the cycle of impunity that allows these abuses to continue,” said Løj.

(ST)