HRC58 - NB8 statement - EID on report of Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan

Human Rights Council - 58th session
Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on report of Commission of
Human Rights in South Sudan
Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
28 February 2025

President,

The Nordic and Baltic countries thank the Commission for its report and align ourselves with its conclusions. We also thank the Government of South Sudan for its continued cooperation with the Commission.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed amidst great hope that the South Sudanese people would enjoy peace and human rights. This hope has largely gone unfulfilled.

The report showcases a flagrant disregard for human rights and the rule of law. One such example is the extrajudicial killings carried out under the so-called “Green Book” in Warrap state. Any legislation that facilitates serious crimes under domestic and international law must be repealed. Impunity only sows further conflict.

Few measures have been implemented to address widespread conflict-related sexual violence, and other human rights violations and abuses documented in the report. This shows the urgent need to renew the mandate of the Commission with one year. 

One year ago, we urged the transitional government to adhere to its promise of holding elections by December 2024. This promise to the South Sudanese people was broken. Plans for free and fair elections in 2026 must be implemented immediately. Continuing as before is not an option.

High Commissioner,

What steps, in your opinion, are most critical for the government to take to improve the situation?

I thank you.