Civilians continue to bear the brunt of inter-communal violence and military confrontations in South Sudan
A new human rights report has documented a drastic rise in the number of civilians losing their lives and being injured due to intensifying hostilities between the conventional parties to the armed conflict and other armed groups.
The report, by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s Human Rights Division, documented 438 civilian victims affected by violence involving these actors between April and June this year, a 204 percent increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. Violence attributable to these actors was the second leading cause of harm nationwide, accounting for 30 percent of incidents and 29 percent of victims.
“This sharp escalation of violence was driven primarily by the expansion of the localized conflict between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and White Army militia in Nasir, Upper Nile, which evolved into nationwide political tensions,” states the report.
Armed confrontations involving the parties to the armed conflict and other armed groups severely undermined the protection of civilians and resulted in violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. The report particularly notes concern about the alleged use of indiscriminate aerial bombardments on civilian-populated areas.
“17Թ calls on all parties to the armed conflict to comply at all times with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, precaution and military necessity,” states the report.
“Furthermore, 17Թ reminds the Government of South Sudan of its obligation under international human rights law to take adequate measures to protect civilians, investigate alleged violations, and hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with fair trial guarantees.”
Overall, in the second quarter of this year, 334 incidents of conflict-related violence were recorded, affecting 1518 civilians, including 198 women and 155 children. Compared to the same period in 2024, this represents a five percent increase in incidents and a 43 percent increase in victims. Concerningly, compared to the same period in 2024, those killed rose by 44 percent (442-635), and injuries increased by 128 percent (297 to 676).
The report noted that the number of victims is likely underreported due to challenges in accessing conflict hotspots.
Read the full report here.
