South Sudan at ‘Dangerous Point’ as Violence Escalates, UN Rights Chief Warns
Geneva – South Sudan is teetering on the brink of renewed civil war as escalating violence, political tensions, and a massive humanitarian crisis threaten to unravel a fragile peace agreement, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned Friday. Described as “one of the world’s forgotten crises,” the situation demands urgent international attention, Türk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The warning comes as attacks on civilians surge, with both government and opposition forces, along with affiliated militias, launching assaults on residential areas across seven states, including Jonglei, where over 280,000 people have been displaced since December.
“We are at a dangerous point, when rising violence is combined with deepening uncertainty over South Sudan’s political trajectory, as the peace agreement comes under severe strain,” Türk said.
According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), 189 civilians were killed in January alone – a 45 percent increase in rights violations and abuses compared to the previous month. The escalating conflict has resulted in a spike in indiscriminate attacks, including aerial bombardments, deliberate killings, abductions, and conflict-related sexual violence.
“Civilians are bearing the brunt,” Türk emphasized.
The breakdown of military discipline is a key concern, with troops demonstrating “a near total disregard for civilian protection” in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states, according to the High Commissioner. Over the past year, more than 5,100 people have been killed or injured, a 40 percent increase from 2024, including two UN staff members. OHCHR has documented over 250 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, a figure believed to be significantly underestimated. Opposition forces and their allies have also been implicated in the abduction of 550 civilians, marking a “disturbing increase.”
Adding to the instability, rising tensions are fueled by hate speech and incitement to violence targeting entire communities and ethnic groups. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has authenticated an audio recording of a senior military official allegedly urging forces to “spare no lives” and destroy civilian homes and property.
The crisis is compounded by a dire humanitarian situation, with millions requiring assistance. The ongoing war in neighboring Sudan has further exacerbated the problem, leading to an influx of over 1.3 million South Sudanese refugees and returnees, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“South Sudan is one of the most displacement-affected countries in the world, although the situation rarely features in the world’s media,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director for Operations, in a statement from Juba. “Nearly 10 million people require humanitarian assistance and more than 2.3 million people are displaced within the country.”
Aid operations are being severely hampered by the insecurity, with suspensions in parts of Upper Nile and northern Jonglei states. Three aid workers were killed earlier this month in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, prompting a warning from the UN’s top aid official, Tom Fletcher.
Türk concluded his remarks by stating that human rights monitoring is “flashing red” for South Sudan, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a recommitment to inclusive dialogue.
