UN Human Rights Chief Alarms Over Escalating Crisis in South Sudan

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has issued a stark warning about the rapidly worsening human rights situation in South Sudan, marked by escalating violence, arbitrary arrests, and inflammatory rhetoric, Anadolu Agency reported. Since February, clashes between government forces (SSPDF), opposition groups (SPLA-IO), and allied militias have resulted in at least 75 civilian deaths, 78 injuries, and mass displacement.

Turk emphasized that the surge in hostilities—including aerial bombardments and ground attacks by government troops in Jonglei and Upper Nile states between May 3–20—threatens to derail the fragile 2018 peace accord. Civilian infrastructure, such as a Doctors Without Borders clinic, has been compromised, while an SPLA-IO counter-offensive on May 21 exacerbated displacement.

The rights chief urged all parties to cease hostilities, safeguard civilians, and guarantee humanitarian access. He also condemned the arbitrary detention of 55 SPLM-IO officials, including the first vice-president and multiple ministers, in March, demanding their immediate release and UN access to detention facilities. Turk further called for measures to combat hate speech, which risks fueling further violence.