HRW Reports Arbitrary Arrests and Abuses by South Sudan Security Forces

HRW Reports Arbitrary Arrests and Abuses by South Sudan Security Forces
————————————————–
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported widespread human rights violations in South Sudan, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and forced conscription of children, carried out by security forces under the pretext of cracking down on criminal gangs, JURIST NEWS reported.

HRW said that since June 2025, security forces in Juba have detained civilians, often targeting marginalized youth, and subjected them to ill-treatment, extortion, and sexual violence. Detainees were reportedly held in poor conditions, deprived of food and water, and in some cases forced to join the military, in violation of international law, which sets 18 as the minimum legal age for recruitment. Families were frequently not informed of detainees’ whereabouts, raising concerns of enforced disappearances.

The rights group called on South Sudanese authorities to end arbitrary arrests, halt child conscription, and investigate alleged abuses. Police officials denied claims of forced conscription and enforced disappearances, stating that operations focused on criminals and that some detainees were moved due to overcrowding.

South Sudan has faced ethnic conflict since 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, despite a 2018 peace agreement. Continued clashes, political corruption, and diversion of public funds have contributed to a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and severe shortages of food and healthcare.