Human Rights Council 36th Session (11-29 September 2017)

Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation of human rights in South Sudan

Statement by Ireland

18 September 2017

Ireland aligns with the statement of the European Union.

Mr President,

We re-iterate our thanks to the Commission on Human rights in South Sudan for its vital work in monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the country.

The situation in South Sudan remains dire. Almost 4 million people, one in every three, have been forced to flee their homes in desperation. Many of those who remain are subjected to targeted killings, abductions, torture, and shocking levels of rape and sexual violence.

Ireland is appalled by the scale, intensity and severity of human rights violations continuing to occur in South Sudan - particularly against women and girls. We are seriously concerned that these atrocities are increasingly being carried out in a systematic manner on the basis of ethnic identity.

The persistent violations of international humanitarian law by all parties to this conflict is unacceptable. Ireland condemns attacks on humanitarian personnel and reiteratesthe need to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and the safety and security of aid workers.

With the international community, Ireland continues to call on all warring parties to end the cycle of protracted conflict and violence in the country, to protect civilians and to immediately end unlawful attacks against them, their property and their livelihoods.

There must be a zero tolerance approach to abuse, sexual violence, and the deliberate targeting of civilians in violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, by each of the parties to this conflict and an end to the cycle of impunity.

Justice and accountability for crimes will be a necessary part of peacebuilding, and we therefore urge progress on the formation of the independent Hybrid Court for South Sudan.

We call upon the Government of South Sudan to commit to an inclusive and credible peace process, and to protect its citizens. We must persevere with regional and international efforts to revitalise the peace process and to find a sustainable political solution that is so desperately needed.

Question:

In the context of peacebuilding, and considering a rights-based approach to transitional justice, we would be interested to hear the Commission’s views on how the rights and voices of victims of sexual violence can be reflected in transitional justice strategies for South Sudan.

Thank you