UN Mission Reports Continued Abductions and Sexual Violence in South Sudan

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has reported an ongoing rise in abductions, sexual violence and attacks on civilians, warning that the scale of abuses may constitute serious human rights violations.

According to JURIST NEWS, the United Nations Mission to South Sudan (UNMISS) said, in its latest quarterly briefing, that civilians—particularly women and children—remain the primary victims of widespread insecurity. The mission described conflict-related sexual violence and abductions as “unacceptable” and preventable, noting that women and girls are frequently targeted during displacement, cattle raids or routine daily activities.

Human Rights Watch has separately warned that weak rule of law, insecurity and limited state presence leave women and girls exposed to constant risk, despite South Sudan’s formal commitments under international law. UNMISS highlighted cases of long-term abduction, including a child who escaped after years in captivity and was later reunited with her family with UN support.

The report also raised concern over attacks on aid workers. Doctors Without Borders recently suspended operations in two counties following the abduction of healthcare staff, citing severe security risks and the impact on access to essential medical care.