South Sudan: Human Cost of Violence in South Sudan 'Continues to Grow'

What the report says

UN human rights investigators said after a recent four-day mission to South Sudan that violence, political tensions and weak accountability are still endangering civilians and the country’s long-delayed transition to democracy. The update was published by UN News and distributed by AllAfrica on 10 September 2026. The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said the risks are rising as the country prepares for elections expected in December.

The commission said it met government officials, security actors, civil society groups and other stakeholders during the visit. Its chair, Yasmin Sooka, also traveled to Jonglei state, where she heard accounts from survivors of recent fighting in the north, including reports of sexual violence, killings, displacement and family separation. The commission also raised concern about civilians lacking access to medical, psychosocial and other essential support.

The investigators warned that attacks on civilians, interference with humanitarian operations and insecurity for aid workers are worsening an already severe crisis. They said support for humanitarian agencies and the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, remains critical, particularly after a recent attack on a UNMISS patrol in Jonglei that killed two peacekeepers. Commissioner Barney Afako said elections need genuine dialogue and safeguards so voting does not trigger more violence.

The commission also pointed to corruption, stalled implementation of the 2018 peace deal and persistent impunity as major barriers to stability. In general terms, South Sudan has faced repeated conflict since gaining independence in 2011, and the planned polls would be its first national elections since then.